Scirpus Lacustris Linnaeus, p. 157

30 Scirpus lacustris, Linnaeus.

Syn. S. validus, Vahl. S. acutus Muhl. Bull-rush.

Culm large, cylindrical, tapering to a point, leaflets; spikes ovate-oblong, numerous in a crowded unbel-like panicle turned to one side; scales ovate, mucronate; achenium obovate, mucronate, plano-convex. Culms 3 to 8 feet high, Flowers in July.

Grows very abundantly in shallow water along the margin of rivers and lakes, throughout Wisconsin; also in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan. Extends east to the N England states, and south to Florida. A native also of Europe.

Plate I fig-9 a-the spike; b-a flower; c the scale; d stamen; e achenium; f bristle.

The bull-rush is used for making rush bottoms to chains, but is inferior for this purpose to the S. pungens. The Indians use it extensively for mats to cover their wigwams, and for other purposes. The root is astringent and [diuretic?], and was once used as medicine, but not now. The plant belonging to the family of Gramineae and Cyperaceae, do not appear to possess any very active or useful medicinal qualities.