Butomus umbellatus
Description
- Native to temperate Eurasia.
- Emergent plant that grows along shorelines and wetlands or as a submergent plant in lakes and rivers.
- May or may not produce flowers. Flowers are pink to white. Blooms from June to August.
- Typically grows in shallow waters but can survive in water as deep as 6 meters.
- Disperses by wind, water and humans through improper garden waste disposal, water based recreation and trading.
- Known infestations in the Pend D’Oreille River in the state of Washington. Please report immediately if you suspect an infestation.
Consequences of invasion
- Extremely aggressive, spreads quickly and displaces native shoreline vegetation.
- Adversely impacts native fish species by forming dense stands.
- Provides favourable habitat for invasive fish species such as small and large mouth bass, northern pike and walleye.
- Dense infestations negatively impact recreational boating and other recreational activities.
Integrated pest management options
- Do NOT plant Flowering Rush in your water gardens. Utilize an alternative such as western blue iris (Iris missouriensis).
- Properly dispose of garden and yard waste by bagging and disposing of at your local landfill.
- Aquatic invasives can be very difficult to manage once they establish in a system, so prevention is the best option for this species.
Additional resources
- CKISS Downloadable PDF: CKISS Profile
- CKISS Downloadable PDF: CKISS Detailed Profile
- Montana State University