Bolboschoenus maritimus

A creeping perennial up to 4' tall with rhizomes that will fill in a moist creek or salt marsh bank. This plant is excellent for erosion control. It is hardy to zone 6. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The flowers are monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and are pollinated by wind. Now identified as Schoenoplectus maritimus Scattered throughout temperate N. America; more common along seacoasts. An important plant for wildlife, waterfowl eat seeds and use stems for nesting cover. Muskrats and beavers eat rootstock and young stems. The roots were used for food, raw or cooked. Rich in starch, it is usually dried and ground into a powder. Found in marshes water body margins; wet, alkali & saline meadows. Communities located in Wetland-riparian Between 0 and 8202 feet.