Pond Boss Forums AQUATIC VEGETATION Identifying plants Bulrush good or bad

Thinking about establishing some Bulrush on a portion of our 15 acre lake. What are the pro and cons of doing this?

Thanks

I think there are different types of it, and I like it better than cattails. They can help stop some erosion and give habbitat but they can also over grow the shallow areas. That's my limited experience.

I have seen soft stem and hard stem bulrush grow in all the water less than 4 ft deep. Control is important.

I agree Bill. That's why I am looking at Bullrush vs Cattail. Less invasive and easier to control. The area I am wanting to plant it is on the north end which is a shallow point/flat about 7ft deep before it drops off to 10ft plus. During the drought a good deal of this point was exposed which could be used as a time to cut it back if need be.

Bull rush growth pattern definitely does not grow as dense as cattail. Fish can maneuver much easier through bullrush beds compared to cattail beds. IMO - Habitat wise bulrush is better for fish habitat than cattails.

I am still struggling to find a marginal that can survive/thrive with the huge water level fluctuation in my water table pond. Would a Bull Rush species be an answer for me?

Yes Bill that's why I am wanting to get some established. Primarily for fish habitat and waterfowl/Birds . The north end of the lake is hard to get on foot. The south end by the dam is where the majority of the recreation opportunities will take place.. ie swimming , bank fishing etc. Not saying it can't spread to that end but it has to cross lots of deep water to do it. Would be totally by seeds seeding. Which I can control fairly easy.

Bill from my research it maybe. Bulrush appears to be pretty hardy. I would also think it would depend upon what is your soil composition and the grade of your pond. In my situation , where I am wanting to establish it, it is a gentle grade and soggy clay type soil. Hold moisture extremely well. Even during the peak of the drough you could dig down a few inches and hit moisture.

Thanks Brandon. I think I'll try a few.

Welcome. Do you know when to plant. From what I am gathering you plant "plugs" 2-3ft apart. Still wondering if I can plant/sprig this spring

I'll be planting end of May thru June. I want the water temps high 60s or better. Not sure when you reach those temps. I'd watch for other vegetation starting to grow and go from there. Maybe one of the other guys has better info.

I prefer bullrush over cattails anyday. I do rake and cut out the dead ones in early spring to remove the organic matter and make room for the new growth.

Wouldn't mind if it pretty much spread all the way around the pond. It seems to create a nice barrier for wading birds like the Great Blue Heron.

Our water temps are in the mid 60's so I guess we're good. I will order 100 plugs in the next couple of weeks to plant

Do you have a good source that ships? I would be interested as well.

Possibly . My brother is real good friends with a person that owns a commercial Nursery. I will call him tomorrow.

It seems to prefer a firmer bottom. I have it wherever I added pea gravel.

A nearby lake has a large sandbar across the middle. It used to be thick with Bullrush. There hasn't been any for years. According to a local biologist the young shoots were gobbled up by Canadan geese. Maybe something to keep in mind?

Good information. Thanks. Hell if Canadian Geese get this far they deserve a snack lol.

Don't usually see them down there? Would you like me to give them your address?

No were good. Got enough free loaders as is.

Kelly Duffie would know the best chemical control method for bullrush. It can spread pretty fast, but not as fast nor usually as deep as cattails. I've seen bulrush grow in sand and mud bottom, soft water & hard water. It grows well in clay bottom drainage ditches in most all of Ohio. IMO it is not too critical of soil type as long as it is not unconsolidated very loose organics. The tallest specie (Giant bulrush?) in optimum conditions may grow 5ft deep. Do your homework before planting. Be aware there are several species in at least two plant genera. There are numerous places in most all areas of the country it could be collected in the natural setting.

http://aquaplant.tamu.edu/plant-identification/alphabetical-index/bulrush/
18"-100" is a big variation! http://www.blackfootnativeplants.com/giant-bulrush-scirpus-validus/blackfoot-native-plants/
10ft is pretty tall for a pond plant
http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/plants/plantid2/descriptions/sci.html

IMO most would do better for small pond use to use the smaller Juncus effusus rush.
http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/grasses/plants/soft_rush.htm

There are other small rushes and sedges available that could be better than the bulrush or J.effusus. Do your homework before planting!

Aquatic iris would be an option where water levels give way to drought, they are tough as boots and less likely to be gobbled by grazing critters

Andrew, I have a feeling I will be talking to you in a month or so about getting some plants!

I wish that my pond level would stay stable enough for some of those beautiful hardy lilies.

Scott,

How is your pond water level? Mine are as high as they've ever been.

Full pool and flowing out. Hooray!!!!!!!!