Schoenoplectus californicus
Californian bulrush
Also known as:
Californian bullrush
Family: Cyperaceae
Origin: North America
Regional Pest Management Plan (RPMP) status
- National Pest Plant Accord Species
- Whole region — Sustained control
General description
Dense, clumping, rhizomatous rush < 4 m tall. Stems are triangular. Flowers are small, brown and borne in drooping inflorescences in November – April. Nuts are small and cream/grey.
What you need to know
To help protect our environment:
- You must not breed, distribute, release or sell Californian bulrush. As Californian bulrush is a National Pest Plant Accord species, these restrictions apply within the Auckland region and across the whole of New Zealand.
- You must not plant Californian bulrush within the Auckland region, unless you are transferring an existing plant on your land to another location within the boundaries of the same property.
- You must destroy any Californian bulrush on land that you occupy if it has been planted in breach of the above rules and you are directed to do so by an authorised person.
Habitats
Brackish riparian margins and estuaries, drainage ditches, pasture.
Dispersal
Vegetative spread from rhizomes, dispersed by water.
Impact on environment
Forms dense stands, excluding native sedge species. Potential to alter soil conditions by stabilising sand bars and river margins.
Control
Site Management
Follow up treated areas 3 times per year. Encourage natural regeneration of native plants or replant treated areas where possible after 2-3 treatments to establish dense ground cover and minimise reinvasion.
Recommended approaches
Physical control
Method: Dig out.
Plant parts requiring disposal: All parts.
Disposal options: Remove to greenwaste or landfill if practical.
Biocontrol
Biocontrol is currently not available for this species.
Community agrichemical control recommendations
No qualifications: Foliar spray with 100ml glyphosate green per 10L of water.
Certified Handler/Experienced agrichemical user: Foliar spray with 100ml glyphosate green per 10L of water and 20ml penetrant.
Caution: When using any herbicide or pesticide please read the label thoroughly to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed.
