Branched Bur-reed

The Branched Bur-reed, Sparganium erectum, is a robust native marginal aquatic plant commonly found in UK ditches, ponds, and slow-moving water. It features long, sword-shaped, bright green leaves that stand erect, providing impressive vertical structure. In summer, it produces distinctive spherical flower heads, with separate male and female flowers, followed by intriguing bur-like seed heads that persist into autumn. This plant can reach heights of 60-120cm with a spread of up to 60cm, thriving in boggy ground or shallow water up to 30cm deep. It offers excellent cover for wildlife and adds a wild, naturalistic aesthetic to larger ponds and wetland areas. Fully hardy and low maintenance.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Moist to wet soil.

Hardiness: H7 — below −20°C.

Flowering: Jun, Jul, Aug.