Slimstem Reedgrass vs Hardstem Bulrush - TreeTime.ca

Slimstem Reedgrass vs Hardstem Bulrush

Calamagrostis stricta

Schoenoplectus acutus

CUSTOM GROW

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Slimstem Reedgrass
Hardstem Bulrush

Slimstem Reedgrass is a native perennial bunchgrass commonly found in damp meadows, wetlands, and along streams and lakeshores. It thrives in wet, nutrient-poor soils and shows some tolerance to saline conditions. Typically a bunchgrass, it can also spread by rhizomes to form colonies, making it well-suited for soil stabilization, riparian zone planting, and wetland restoration projects.

Slimstem Reedgrass provides valuable cover for small animals and birds, and its dense growth can even serve as nesting habitat for waterfowl in wetland areas. Its seeds offer forage for wildlife, while the tall stems and floral spikes add texture and visual interest to the landscape.

Hardstem Bulrush is a tall, native perennial wetland plant that thrives in shallow water and saturated soils, often forming extensive stands in wetland and shoreline habitats. Well suited to riparian restoration, bank stabilization, shoreline protection, and naturalization projects, it spreads through underground rhizomes to form dense colonies.

Hardstem Bulrush’s tall growth provides valuable cover and nesting habitat for waterfowl, songbirds, and small mammals, while its late-summer seeds provide food for waterfowl and other birds.

Slimstem Reedgrass Quick Facts

Hardstem Bulrush Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 2a
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Height: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Spread: 0.6 m (2.0 ft)
Spread: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Growth form: upright, clump-forming
Growth form: upright, colony forming
Spreading: rhizomes - high, seeds - low
Spreading: rhizomes - high


Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, NU, PE
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, PE
Other Names: narrow reedgrass, narrow-leaved reed grass, narrow-spiked reedgrass, slim-stemmed reedgrass
Other Names: hard-stem bulrush