Butomus umbellatus
ABOUT
Butomus umbellatus, commonly known as flowering rush, is a perennial aquatic plant that typically grows in shallow waters like those along riverbanks or lake edges. The appearance of this plant is quite distinctive due to its pink, cluster-like flowers that blossom at the top of triangular stems. These striking flowers make it easy to identify flowering rush and add aesthetic value to its surroundings. The foliage of flowering rush consists of flat, sword-shaped leaves that are long and bright green, forming a clump at the base of the plant. They emanate a lush, grass-like appearance, becoming a backdrop for the striking blooms. The flowering stems arise from this clump, standing erect above the water level. Each blossom from the cluster is formed with three petals that spread outwards and three sepals, creating a star-like pattern when viewed from above. The pink petals are eye-catching, with a gradation of color intensity that often has a darker hue at the base, fading out to a lighter pink or white at the tips. After pollination, the flowers develop into beaked seed pods that are arranged in a spiral around the flowering stem. The seeds are then dispersed into the surrounding water, allowing the flowering rush to propagate. Overall, flowering rush is recognized for its ornamental flowers and grassy foliage, and it maintains a prominent presence in its aquatic habitat throughout its blooming period.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Butomaceae.
Synonyms
Flowering Rush, Grass Rush, Water Gladiolus.
Common names
Butomus umbellatus L., Butomopsis lancea Kunth, Butomopsis umbellata (L.) Kunth, Butomus umbellatus f. submersus Glück, Butomus umbellatus var. submersus (Glück) Beal
ToxicityTo humans
Butomus umbellatus, commonly known as Flowering rush, is not typically recognized as a poisonous plant to humans. There is limited information available on its toxicity when ingested. Therefore, while no specific symptoms of poisoning are documented, it is generally advised to exercise caution and avoid ingesting parts of unknown or potentially unsafe plants to prevent any adverse health effects.
To pets
Flowering rush is also not widely recognized as a toxic plant to pets. Similar to its effects on humans, there are no specific documented symptoms of poisoning in pets from ingesting this plant. Despite the lack of known toxicity, pet owners are advised to prevent their animals from eating Flowering rush or any unfamiliar plants to avoid potential risks to their health.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
3 feet (0.9 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Eurasia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Butomus umbellatus, commonly known as Flowering Rush, adds visual interest to water gardens and ponds with its attractive pink flowers and distinctive umbel-like flower heads.
- Biodiversity: It provides habitat and breeding grounds for various species of insects and amphibians, supporting local ecosystems.
- Bank Stabilization: The robust root system of the Flowering Rush helps stabilize pond banks and prevent soil erosion.
- Water Quality: Through its growth, Butomus umbellatus can help maintain clean water in ponds and wetlands by absorbing excess nutrients.
- Wildlife Forage: The plant serves as a food source for some waterfowl and other wildlife, integrating into food chains.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Wildlife Habitat: Butomus umbellatus, also known as Flowering Rush, provides a natural habitat for aquatic wildlife such as amphibians and invertebrates due to its dense growth in marshy areas.
- Bank Stabilization: The robust root system of the Flowering Rush helps to stabilize the banks of lakes and rivers, preventing erosion and providing support to the surrounding soil.
- Ornamental Use: Flowering Rush is used in ornamental water gardens and ponds for its attractive pink-infused umbels and long, slender foliage, adding aesthetic value to landscapes.
- Cultural Significance: In some cultures, the Flowering Rush is associated with folklore and is used in traditional ceremonies or as a symbol in art and poetry.
- Craft Material: The long, stiff stems of the plant can be harvested and dried to be used in crafting, such as for weaving baskets or creating decorative items.
- Educational Resource: Flowering Rush can serve as an educational subject in botany and ecology, illustrating plant adaptation to wetland environments and the importance of biodiversity.
- Water Filtration: Although not primarily known for this, the roots and dense foliage of Flowering Rush can help trap sediments and pollutants, contributing to natural water filtration in their habitat.
- Photography Subject: Due to its picturesque blooms, Flowering Rush is a popular subject for nature photographers, especially when it flowers in the summertime.
- Bioindicator: Flowering Rush can act as a bioindicator for ecologists, signaling the health of wetland ecosystems where it naturally occurs.
- Seasonal Indicator: The flowering period of Flowering Rush can be an indicator of seasonal change, particularly in temperate regions where it marks the transition into summer.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Butomus umbellatus, commonly known as Flowering Rush, is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Flowering Rush is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Butomus umbellatus, commonly known as the Flowering Rush, grows in difficult conditions such as marshy areas, symbolizing the ability to thrive in challenging environments.
- Unique Beauty: The distinctive umbel-shaped inflorescence of the Flowering Rush sets it apart from other aquatic plants, representing the idea of standing out and embracing one's uniqueness.
- Purity: Often found in water, the Flowering Rush may symbolize purification, as water bodies are commonly associated with cleansing and renewal.
- Balance: The Flowering Rush lives at the water's edge, symbolizing the balance between different elements or realms, such as land and water, or even the physical and spiritual.
WaterFlowering Rush, also known as Butomus umbellatus, thrives in aquatic environments and thus requires consistent moisture. It should be planted in wet soil or shallow water, with the crown submerged by up to 4 inches of water. Watering is not typical as with traditional garden plants since it naturally grows in and around water bodies. However, ensure that the soil or water level does not drop significantly. In a garden pond or water feature setting, the amount of water will be self-regulating to a large extent, but during hot spells, additional water may be needed to maintain the water level, possibly requiring several gallons a week depending on evaporation rates and size of the water feature.
LightFlowering Rush should receive full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. Best planted in a spot that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, but it can tolerate some light afternoon shade. Avoid deeply shaded areas as this may inhibit the plant's ability to flower and can lead to weaker growth.
TemperatureFlowering Rush tolerates a wide range of temperatures, but it thrives best in conditions that simulate its natural habitat. The plant can survive in temperatures as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit to as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit. For ideal growth, temperatures should remain between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPruning Flowering Rush involves removing spent flower stalks and old foliage to encourage new growth and maintain an attractive appearance. Pruning is best done in the fall after the plant has finished flowering. Cut back the dead material to just above the water surface or the base of the plant if it is grown in damp soil. Pruning yearly should be sufficient to keep the plant healthy and looking tidy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFlowering Rush (Butomus umbellatus) thrives best in loamy, clay or sandy soil that is consistently moist or even saturated, with an ideal soil pH of 6.0 to 7.5. A mix rich in organic matter will support healthy growth.
RepottingFlowering Rush should be repotted every 2-3 years or as necessary to prevent overcrowding, usually in the spring or early summer.
Humidity & MistingFlowering Rush does not have specific humidity requirements as it is a marginal aquatic plant that prefers to grow in wet environments or at water's edge.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep Flowering Rush in a container with water; ensure full light exposure.
Outdoor
Plant Flowering Rush near water; it can tolerate flooding and partial shade.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleFlowering Rush (Butomus umbellatus) begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in wet soil or shallow water, typically in the spring. The seed develops into a small plant with narrow, grass-like leaves that emerge above the water's surface. As it matures, the plant forms a rhizome, which is a horizontal, underground stem that stores nutrients and helps the plant survive through winter. In late spring to summer, Flowering Rush produces tall flower stalks topped with an umbrella-shaped cluster of pink flowers that can be pollinated by insects or self-fertilize. Following pollination, seeds are produced and dispersed by water or animals, potentially establishing new plants if conditions are suitable. Between flowering periods, the plant's rhizome allows it to persist and regenerate the next growing season, completing the life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method of propagating Butomus umbellatus, commonly known as Flowering Rush, is by division. This typically occurs in early spring or late fall when the plant is not actively growing. To propagate by division, a gardener would carefully lift the clump of Flowering Rush from the water or wet soil, ensuring to keep the roots intact. Next, they would use a sharp knife or spade to split the clump into smaller sections, each with at least one growing point. These divisions are then planted into their new location immediately, with the crowns placed about an inch (2.54 cm) below the soil surface. They should be spaced about two feet (60.96 cm) apart to allow sufficient room for growth. Regular watering, especially in the beginning, helps the divisions to establish in their new environment.