Gaskets – Not to be confused with cattails
Whenever you hear the word bulrush, do you think of bulrush? Interestingly, most people do. However, there are some differences between the two, although the coexistence is not unknown. Cattails are known to invade a wetland much faster than reeds, occupying large tracts in a single growing season due to their massive amounts of seeds carried by the wind. In the growing season, cattails are more dependent on water than reeds. Usually the hard-stemmed bulrush [Scirus acutus] It is used in wetland projects and restoration. Reeds are much slower than cattails to establish and spread because they proliferate primarily through underground rhizomes rather than seeds. Cattails can handle and withstand long, dry periods better than cattails. There are some noticeable differences between bulrush and bulrush, such as emergent vegetation, but a common characteristic between them is their special adaptation to transport oxygen from the air to their roots, allowing them to grow in continuously flooded, but shallow water areas . Both cattail and cattail establish quickly (although, as mentioned above, cattails are still slower than cattails to establish), and both can tolerate poor quality water. However, cattails tend to grow in deeper water, while cattails prefer shallow waters.
Reeds are several wetland (aquatic) herbs of the genus Scirpus. They are annual or perennial plants of medium to tall height. Also known as tule, wool grass, and rat grass, this herbaceous plant can grow up to 10 feet tall; They are found throughout North America and Eurasia.
They are divided into soft-stemmed groups [Scirpus validus] and tough stem [Scirpus tabernaemontani] reeds, which are in the family Cyperaceae. These two species are quite similar in appearance and share common ground with respect to the areas in which they grow. Reeds are often used in constructed wetlands to treat agricultural NPS pollution and for the creation and restoration of wetlands. One of the plants used for this type of project is the species called giant bulrush, also known as ‘Restauradora’. It is considered a top plant for this, particularly in the southeastern states. Now you may be wondering: ‘What is NPS contamination and where does it come from?’ Good question!
NPS is short for ‘non-source pollution’, which comes from coal and metal mining, photography and textile industries, agricultural and urban areas, failed home septic tank drain fields, as well as municipal wastewater, stormwater, and other land-altering activities negatively impact 30-50% of America’s waterways. An affordable and efficient means of addressing and cleaning various wastewater is constructed wetlands. For nearly 60 years, researchers have researched and reported on the use of natural or man-made wetlands and their effectiveness and ability to clean contaminated water. In 1989, one such researcher named Hammer defined man-made wetlands for wastewater treatment as “a man-made and designed complex of saturated substrates, emergent and submerged vegetation, animal life and water that simulates natural wetlands for use and human benefits. “
The belfry [Scirpus spp] It is a species of vegetation that is grown in shallow beds or channels that contain a root medium such as sand and / or gravel that are effective in helping to regulate the flow of water. At the same time, biochemical reactions occur in submerged parts of plants and within wetland soils. Oxygen is passively made available for biochemical reactions primarily by diffusion of air into the system (Rogers et al, 1991). In the United States alone, more than 56 FWS (Fish and Wildlife Service) systems process 95 million gallons per day of runoff and wastewater (Reed, 1991).
Cattails are reed-like and have long, firm leaves, olive-green three-sided stems, and drooping clusters of small, often brown, spikelets found near the tips of the stems. The stem bases have some inconspicuous leaves. The roots (or rhizomes) produce edible tubers. The tips of the rushes bloom with clusters of reddish-brown or straw-colored flowers that turn into hard, seed-like fruits during the period from April to August.
They are often found along the shores of swampy or boggy areas; such as wet locations such as shallow lake edges, ponds, swamps, fresh and brackish swamps, wet forests, slow-moving streams, and road ditches. They can grow up to 10 feet in moist soils and in shallow or deep water, respectively, 1 to 9 feet of water. The cattail is densely rhizomatous with abundant seed production.
The Scirpus species is almost always found in natural conditions in wetlands. They are divided into soft-stemmed groups [Scirpus validus] and tough stem [Scirpus tabernaemontani] reeds, which are in the family Cyperaceae. These two species are quite similar in appearance. The soft-stemmed cattail can grow up to 10 feet and grows in dense rhizome colonies. The soft-stemmed cattail has a relatively smooth, light greenish-gray, round (in cross section) stem that reaches a point with no visible leaves (only pods at the base of the stems). The flowers usually appear just below the tip of the stem, from July to September. They grow in the places mentioned in the first paragraph, where the soils are poorly drained or continuously saturated. In terms of ecological importance, the soft-stemmed cattail can triple its biomass in one growing season. One area that benefits from this bulrush is urban wetlands, where soft-stemmed bulrush can be used and have been used to reduce pollutant loads carried by stormwater runoff.
The hard-stemmed bulrush (tule, black root) is a perennial herb with an obligate [restricted to a particular condition in life]Sturdy rhizomatous, wetland plant that forms dense colonies. The stems of this bulrush are erect and slender, tapered to gently triangular; typically reaching 3-10 feet in height. Also, the leaves are thin sheets that are sheathed around the long stem. The flowers are brown spikelets. The panicle can have 3 to many spikelets, oval to cylindrical. The walnuts are completely covered by whitish-brown scales and have 6 basal bristles. The rushes have sturdy rootstocks and long, thick, brown underground stems. [rhizomes]. The hard-stemmed cattail has a much higher tolerance for myxosaline. [water containing saline] conditions, than the soft-stemmed bulrush. Regrows well after removal and is fire tolerant.
The submerged portions of all aquatic plants provide habitat for many micro and macro invertebrates. These invertebrates, in turn, are used as food by fish and other wild species (for example, amphibians, reptiles, ducks, etc.). After aquatic plants die, their decomposition by bacteria and fungi (called “detritus”) provides food for many aquatic invertebrates. Ducks and other birds consume reed seeds, while geese, muskrats, and otters consume rhizomes and early shoots. Muskrats and beavers like to use this emerging wetland vegetation for food, as well as for hut construction, thereby enhancing the wetland habitat.
The cattail has been and is used by many cultures for medicinal purposes, as well as
In the provinces of Shandong, Jiangsu, Anhui and Zhejiang, in China the bulrush is used in teas, decoctions and extracts. The cattail is believed to be effective and most often used to stop bleeding, either from an injury or an internal disorder. It is also used to treat painful menstruation and postpartum abdominal pain. Evidence has shown that cattail extracts can also reduce the amount of lipids in the blood, as well as being effective in treating colitis.
Native Americans dried edible rhizomes (seeds), which are rich in protein and highly starchy, grind them into powder to make flour, mix them with water, boil them, and eat them as mush. Young shoots are considered a delicacy, whether eaten raw or cooked. Cattail can be used for syrup and / or sugar, used in a salad, or eaten as a cooked vegetable. The syrup is dried to produce sugar, and the pollen can be used to make breads and cakes.
They also made a poultice from the stalks to stop bleeding and treat snake bites. The roots can be processed and used in the treatment of abscesses.
‘Boneset’ tea was a popular remedy used by both Native Americans and pioneers to treat general aches and pains. It was said to have the most effective relief for the flu epidemics of the 19th and 20th centuries. It remains popular as a herbal tea and is used as a cold tonic, reduces sweating, and promotes bone healing. It is the belief that it actually helps in bone healing that gave the ‘boneset’ tea its name. Modern medical research confirms these benefits, stating that the compounds in ‘bone tea’ boost the immune system.
Some Native Americans chewed the roots of the bulrush as a thirst preventative. They also used the ashes of a burned stalk to put on the naval bleeding of a baby.
The stems are used to weave strong mats, ropes, baskets, purses, hats, skirts, sandals, curtains, temporary shelters, canoes and rafts, brooms, and other household items. The plant must be grown in coarse-textured soil that is free of gravel, silt, and clay if the roots are to be used for quality basket weaving. The root of the black color was sought, which was desired to highlight the patterns created in the making of a basket.
The benefits and uses of bulrush, both ecologically, medicinally and creatively, make it worth careful consideration for wetland planting areas and native restoration landscapes.
