158 FLOWERS Ol- LAKl.S, 1<1\1-,RS, KTC. 



low-lying districts, and are a component part of the ten, marsh, and 

 bog. And in addition they are common to the still waters of lakes, 

 ponds, and pools, growing in the reed swamp. 



The tall, graceful stems and leaves of the Bulrush have a distinct 

 habit t)f their own. The stem is erect, leafless, round, spongy, sheathed 

 at the base. The leaves are long, floating, keeled or strap- shaped. 

 The cymes of flowers are in terminal compound clusters, at fu'st lateral, 

 the stalklcss cylindric spikelets having smooth fringed glumes, with 



Photo. .\. K. Ilorwood 



Bulrush (Scirpus lacuslris, L.) 



3 stigmas. The nut is egg-shaped and brownish, longer than the 

 4-6 bristles. 



The Bulrush is 8-10 ft. high. The flowers are at their best in 

 July and August. The plant is a herbaceous perennial, propagated by 

 rhizomes. 



The flowers are bisexual. There are 6 perianth-scales in two row.s, 

 and 3 stamens. The style is 2-3 cU-ft, ami falls. The flowers are 

 proterogynous and wind-pollinated. 



The fruit is a nut. three-cornered, ami when ripe it lalls into the 

 water and is thus dispersed. 



The graceful Bulrush is practically always an aquatic plant. 



A fungus, Pnccinia scirpi, attacks the Bulrush. Three beetles, 

 Erirhinns festitccr, Donacia obscnra, P. ihalassina. and Lepidoptera, 



