| Reedmace is a familiar
water plant that is often, but incorrectly, known as bulrush. It can grow up to two and a
half metres tall and has long thin leaves. The flowers, which can be seen in June and
July, are brown sausage-shapes with straw coloured spikes coming out of the top. The seeds
are dispersed by the wind, much like those of dandelions. A single flower can produce as
many as 200,000 seeds. Reedmace grows in wet soil and shallow water on the edges of
lakes, ponds, reservoirs, canals and ditches. It can be very invasive and if given the
chance will form large reedbeds that are a haven for wildlife, especially birds. |
