Sparganiaceae

Sparganium natans

Small Bur-Reed

Plant rooted in sediment. Leaves dark green, long, narrow, limp, with ends often floating across water surface. Flowers above water on stem, 2–3 female flower heads, each about 1/3 in. across when mature, topped by 1 male round flower head. Female flowers bur-like in fruit. Grows in shallow water to 2 ft. deep in ponds and lakes at low to high elevations. Other common bur-reeds are S. emersum, with single male flower head separated from others, and S. eurycarpum, with stiff leaves and flower stems arising from water.

• Rarity: Locally Common
• Flowering Time: All Spring And Summer
• Life Cycle: Perennial
• Height: Floating
• Habitat: Lake/Pond
• Found In: Mt. Rainier Np, Crater Lake Np, N Cascades Np
• Native: Yes