ExplorePlants

Flowering-rush

Butomus umbellatus

Flowering-rush is a beautiful plant that grows in water. It has tall stems and pretty pink flowers that look like little umbrellas. It loves to be near ponds and lakes!

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Flowering-rush has tall, sword-like leaves with a triangular cross-section, emerging from water. Its distinctive pink or white flowers grow in a rounded, umbrella-like cluster, called an umbel, atop a sturdy stem.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderAlismatalesFamilyButomaceaeGenusButomus
Flowering-rush
flowering trait badgecluster_flower trait badgegrasslike trait badgesummer_blooming trait badge
Flowering-rush

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Ancient Snack!: Its starchy roots were roasted and eaten in Europe and Asia long ago.

Hidden Danger!: While beautiful, it can invade wetlands and outcompete important native plants.

Rush Hour Flowers!: Its scientific name, *umbellatus*, means "umbrella-like," describing its flower cluster.

Traveler Plant!: Tiny plantlets on its flower heads can drop and grow new plants.

Special abilities

Ability

Water Wanderer

Flowering-rush can grow both fully underwater and with leaves emerging, helping it adapt to changing water levels in wetlands.

Ability

Underground Survivor

It has strong rhizomes that help it spread widely and survive harsh winter conditions or periods of drought.

Ability

Rapid Regrowth

Fragments of its tough underwater stems and roots can sprout new plants, helping it recover quickly from damage.

Measurements & details

Height
50-150 cm
Spread
30-60 cm
Flower Size
2-3 cm
Bloom Season
Summer
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Honey bee

Apis mellifera

Collects nectar and pollen from its pink flowers.

eaten by

Mallard duck

Anas platyrhynchos

Ducks sometimes eat its seeds or parts of the rhizomes.

shelters

Northern Pike

Esox lucius

Young pike hide in the dense underwater foliage for protection.

shelters

Northern Leopard Frog

Rana pipiens

Frogs find cover and breeding sites within its stands.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always look but don’t touch plants without asking an adult first, as some plants can be prickly or have bugs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Flowering-rush?

50-150 cm

How wide does Flowering-rush spread?

30-60 cm

How big are the flowers on Flowering-rush?

2-3 cm

When does Flowering-rush bloom?

Summer

Is Flowering-rush edible?

Yes

Is Flowering-rush toxic?

None

What is Flowering-rush's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is Flowering-rush pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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