Hardstem Bulrush
Schoenoplectus acutus

Family: Sedge (Cyperaceae)
AKA: Tule, Tule Rush
Photo taken on: July 31, 2011
Location: Heron Lake Area, NM
Life Zones: Plains and foothills
Habitat: Ponds, shallow wet areas

Grows in clumps to 10 feet tall with stiff, round green stems. Flowers are dense brown clusters ¾" long.

Flora of North America reference.

Softstem Bulrush
Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani

Family: Sedge (Cyperaceae)
AKA: Great Bulrush, Giant Bulrush
Photo taken on: August 13, 2018
Location: Rio Chama, Abiquiu, NM
Life Zones: Plains and foothills
Habitat: Muddy shores and shallow water

Grows to 8 feet tall with spongy, round stems which are easily crushed between fingers and 3 to 4 basal leaves. The inflorescence consists of hairy, scaly spikelets on long, thin branches which spread, arch, or droop accompanied by a long, stiff bract which looks like an extension of the stem.

Flora of North America reference.

Nevada Bulrush
Amphiscirpus nevadensis

Family: Sedge (Cyperaceae)
AKA: Great Basin Bulrush
Photo taken on: July 12, 2017
Location: Russell Lakes State Wildlife Area, SLV, CO
Life Zones: Plains and foothills
Habitat: Alkaline and saline wetlands

Grows to 18" with erect stems which are stiff, ridged, and cylindrical, not three-angled. The stems are sheathed by tough long leaves. The inflorescence is a head-like cluster of a few cone-shaped scaly spikelets accompanied by a long, stiff bract which looks like an extension of the stem. Similar to Three Square but the cylindrical stem differentiates.

Flora of North America reference.