Californian bulrush

Californian bulrush is a dense, clumping rhizomatous rush that can grow to four metres tall.

Description

• No leaves.

• Stems are rounded and triangular near the base.

• Flowerheads are small, brown, and formed at the tip of each stem between November and April.

• Predominantly spreads via rhizome fragments.

• Habitats include brackish riparian margins and estuaries, drainage ditches, and pasture.

What you need to know

Californian bulrush forms dense stands, excluding native sedge species. It has the potential to alter soil conditions by stabilising sand bars and river margins.

Management approach

Californian bulrush is declared an unwanted organism by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) because it is capable of causing harm to the natural environment, physical resources or human health in Aotearoa/New Zealand.

These species pose a high risk to our environment, economy, recreation, and cultural values.

Rules

Any species declared a pest, including unwanted organisms, cannot be sold or be in a place where plants are being sold. Pest plants cannot be propagated, bred, or multiplied, communicated, released, or cause to be released, or otherwise spread.

Control

Do not attempt to undertake control of Californian bulrush yourself. Report any sightings to us.