Marsh Cinquefoil vs Panicled Bulrush

Marsh Cinquefoil is a native perennial wetland plant with striking reddish-purple, star-shaped flowers. They bloom in early to mid-summer, providing nectar for bees, flies, and other pollinators. Beyond its summer blooms, the foliage turns red in autumn, adding seasonal interest to wetland landscapes.

Common in wetlands, pond margins, and wet meadows, Marsh Cinquefoil spreads by rhizomes to form colonies or patches that contribute to shoreline stabilization. It thrives in nutrient-poor, saturated soils where many other plants struggle, making it valuable in challenging wetland conditions. With its ecological function and ornamental appeal, it is well-suited for wetland plantings, ecological restoration, and naturalized projects.

Panicled Bulrush is a native perennial sedge that thrives in saturated soils and shallow water. Spreading readily by rhizomes, it quickly forms tall clumps that make it especially valuable for riparian plantings, erosion control, ecological restoration, and naturalization projects.
Its many-branched clusters of small flower heads give the plant its name and add texture to wetland landscapes. In addition to stabilizing shorelines and improving habitat quality, Panicled Bulrush provides food and cover for waterfowl, small mammals, and other wildlife. A cool-season grower, it is most active in spring and fall, slowing or going dormant during the heat of summer.

Compare Marsh Cinquefoil with

Compare Panicled Bulrush with