Sparganium Eurycarpum Bur-Reed

Sparganium eurycarpum, commonly known as broadfruit bur-reed or giant bur-reed, is a robust, perennial aquatic plant native to wetlands across North America and parts of Eurasia. It thrives in shallow waters of lakes, ponds, rivers, and marshes, often forming dense stands. The plant features tall, erect stems reaching up to 8 feet, with linear, keeled leaves and distinctive spherical flower clusters that develop into spiky green seed heads. These seed heads transition from lime green to white blooms and eventually to brown, providing visual interest throughout the growing season. Historically, indigenous peoples such as the Klamath utilized its tubers as a food source, and the Okanagan-Colville used the plant as hay for cattle.