Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
in large stands up to 4.5 feet high. True to its name, it can tolerate alkaline
conditions and survive prolonged flooding when dormant in winter. Its
bright-green, robust stems have the triangular shape characteristic of all
sedges. Large, hard “tubers” at its base and a spray of reddish-brown and
hairy seeds, or awns, at the tips of its stems help distinguish these plants
from other bulrushes. Geese, muskrats, and beaver consume the carbohy-
drate-rich tubers as well as the shoots, and use the plants for building ma-
terial. Waterfowl eat the seeds and use the stems to build and conceal their
nests. Alkali bulrush is one of the dominant species in poorly drained
parts of brackish marsh plains or ponds, and on tidal channel banks in the
North and South bays, and western Suisun Marsh.
Tu l e
“Tule” is an Aztec word meaning reedlike marsh plants including cattail
and bulrush. In the estuary, tule refers to a plant also known as the Califor-
Tule marsh near Suisun Bay. (Jude Stalker)
