Great Reedmace | Reserves and species

Scientific Name:

Typha latifoli

Great Reedmace, also know known as 'Bulrush', is a familiar plant of freshwater margins such as the edges of ponds, lake, ditches and rivers. Its impressive stance - with long leaves and tall stems - makes it stand out from other wetlands plants. And its sausage-like flower heads are unmistakeable.

How to identify:

Great Reedmace has tall stems bearing cylindrical, brown flower heads topped by a spire of smaller male flowers. These appear from June to August, but the plant persists through the winter, often dying back to a brownish colour from its usual green. It also has long, wide, grey-green leaves.

Where to find it:

Grows everywhere in the UK, but rarer in the north of Scotland.

How people can help:

Human activity, including the drainage of land for agriculture and development, has resulted in the disappearance of many of the UK's wetlands. The Wildlife Trusts are working closely with planners, developers and farmers to ensure our wetlands are protected and managed for the benefit of the plants and animals they hold. We have a vision of a 'Living Landscape': a network of habitats and wildlife corridors across town and country, which are good for both wildlife and people. You can support this greener vision for the future by joining your local Wildlife Trust.

Statistics:

Height: up to 2m

Conservation status:

Common.

Did you know?:

In common with Common Club-rush, Great Reedmace is also known as 'Bulrush', but is perhaps the plant that this name is most likely to invoke.

Seasons:

Spring

Summer

Autumn

Winter

When to see

Start date:

January

End date:

December