Plant Details

Scirpus Validus, syn. Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani

Soft-Stem Bulrush

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Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Scirpus Validus, syn. Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani.

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Common names

3 names · 3 languages
EnglishYour language
  • Soft-Stem Bulrush
Other languages (2)
Dutch
  • Ruwe bies
French
  • Jonc des chaisiers
Sources & name notes

Names recorded in our plant catalogue, grouped by language. Usage can vary by region.

General information

Scientific name: Scirpus Validus, syn. Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani
Taxonomic placement (Kew): Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani (C.C.Gmel.) Palla View name reference ↗

The explicitly stated Schoenoplectus synonym identifies the Scirpus validus Vahl usage. Other author-qualified Scirpus validus names refer to different species and are excluded.

Sources [2] [3]
Botanical family: Cyperaceae

Kew's family placement for the genus Scirpus (WCVP v16).

Sources [1]
Also known as: Soft-Stem Bulrush
Images: Google Images

Plant characteristics

Layer: Aquatic
Catalogue size class: Small
Height: 1.50 m
Spread: - m
Growth rate: None
Foliage: None

Growing conditions

USDA hardiness: 6-9
Soil moisture:
Wet
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
pH:
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Light:
Partial shade, Full sun

Uses

Edible parts:
Root, Seed, Leaves, Pollen
Edibility rating:
(2)
Medicinal rating:
(1)
Functions:
Wickerwork

Description

The root of this plant can be eaten both raw and cooked and is a good source of starch. Especially the summer roots are sweet in flavor and are eaten raw. When young roots are boiled in water, they produce a sweet syrup. The rootstocks have a diameter of 3 to 10 mm. The young shoots can also be cooked. The crunchy base of the stems can be added raw to salads. The pollen of the plant is often used in soups or mixed with flour for bread making due to its high protein content. The seeds of the plant are usually ground into powder and can be used for baking bread. These seeds are small and difficult to harvest and use.

Harvest

Harvest starts: 01/07
Harvest ends: 30/09

Sources and references

References for the information marked with source numbers on this page.

Sources checked
  1. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew World Checklist of Vascular Plants, version 16, extracted 4 June 2026
    Supports: Botanical family
    Relevant sections
    • Botanical family: WCVP v16, wcvp_names.csv row 1148740; name ID 263650; Scirpus Tourn. ex L.. Family column.

    Source checked on .

    Source data licence: CC BY 3.0.

  2. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani (C.C.Gmel.) Palla
    Supports: Taxonomy
    Relevant sections
    • Taxonomy: Name heading and taxonomic status; The explicitly stated Schoenoplectus synonym identifies the Scirpus validus Vahl usage. Other author-qualified Scirpus validus names refer to different species and are excluded.

    Source checked on .

  3. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Scirpus validus Vahl
    Supports: Taxonomy
    Relevant sections
    • Taxonomy: Taxonomic synonyms or horticultural name section. The explicitly stated Schoenoplectus synonym identifies the Scirpus validus Vahl usage. Other author-qualified Scirpus validus names refer to different species and are excluded.

    Source checked on .