Flowering rush (Butomus umbellatus) is Eurasian plant first found in North America in the late 1800’s. It spreads mostly from rhizomes and occurs in wet areas with muddy soil, including freshwater marshlands, lakes and streams. Flowering rush can displace native riparian vegetation and forms dense stands that impede boat traffic and trap aquatic wildlife.  It spreads vegetatively, or by seeding, making it difficult to control. Flowering rush is tolerant of a wide range of temperatures and has the potential to invade across much of the United States.

Tall thick leaves can impede boating and wildlife movement. Photo: Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org

Photo credit: Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org

Identification:
•Erect floating or submerged plant.
•Grows in waters up to 6 feet deep
•Smooth triangular leaves grow up to 3 feet long.
•Pale pink flowers with three petals and three petal like sepals.
•Flowers bloom midsummer.
•Fruit with notable beaks. 
•Deep fleshy rhizomes grow up to 2 feet below the surface.​

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Photo credit: Leslie J. Mehroff, University of Connecticut,, Bugwood.org

Habitat: Flowering rush grows in marshes and can tolerate water as deep or deeper than that in which cattail is normally found (up to 2 metres), extending to the deepest range of emergent marsh species. Flowering rush is mostly found on shores of lakes, ponds and riverbanks, and it is intolerant of salt or brackish water.

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Additional Resources
Best Management Strategies 
MDARD Weed risk Assessment
MISIN Invasive Species Training
Michigan Invasive  Species Website

Report Flowering Rush

Banner credit: Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org