Sparganium angustifolium
Sparganium angustifolium · Typhaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant sparganium angustifolium: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Plant type
- Perennial aquatic plant
- Foliage
- Deciduous, narrow and linear
- Flowering
- July to September
- Adult size
- 30 to 60 cm in height
- Hardiness
- Very hardy, down to -25 °C
- Origin
- Temperate and cold zones of the northern hemisphere
- Natural habitat
- Wetlands, peat bogs, shallow marshes
Care
Watering and immersion
You should cultivate narrow-leaved burreed entirely submerged or semi-submerged in shallow water. Maintain a water depth of 10 to 30 cm around the plants. In a pond or wetland area, natural water supply is sufficient. Avoid completely drying out the soil, which would compromise the plant's survival.
Light exposure
Choose a sunny to partially shaded location for optimal growth. The plant tolerates partially shaded areas well but develops more in the sun. At least 3 to 4 hours of direct daily sunlight promotes its vigour.
Substrate and soil
Narrow-leaved burreed adapts to any type of moist substrate: mud, peat, silt or enriched clay. In a pond, install it in an aquatic basket filled with heavy potting soil or garden soil. Ensure good plant stability to prevent it from shifting with water currents.
Fertilisation
In natural settings or in a well-balanced pond, no fertiliser is necessary. The organic matter in the aquatic environment is generally sufficient. In a young or very clear pond, a light application of aquatic plant fertiliser at the beginning of the season can be beneficial.
Pruning and cutting
No real pruning is necessary. Simply remove dead or damaged foliage as it appears. In autumn, you can cut back the dry vegetation to the water level to prepare the plant for its winter rest.
Pests and diseases
Narrow-leaved burreed is a very robust plant rarely affected by pests or diseases. A healthy biological balance in the pond or wetland environment is sufficient to keep it in good health. Occasionally check that filamentous algae is not smothering it.
Did you know?
Narrow-leaved burreed plays a major ecological role in cold wetlands and peat bogs, where it contributes to substrate stabilisation and provides shelter for many aquatic insects and amphibians. Its common name 'burreed' evokes its long ribbon-like leaves, characteristics that allow it to move gracefully under the effect of water currents.
Where to buy it
Best planted in spring or autumn, away from frost and heatwaves. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September, October.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Branched bur-reedSparganium erectum
- Least bur-reedSparganium emersum
- Typha domingensisTypha domingensis
- Northern bur-reedSparganium hyperboreum
- BullrushTypha orientalis
- Pedunculate oakQuercus robur
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.