Branched Bur-reed (Sparganium erectum)
| Size | 3 Ltr, 9cm Pack of 3 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Marginal |
| Sun / Shade | Full Sun to Part Shade |
| Flower Colour | White |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Native to UK | Yes |
A tall native pond plant with distinctive spherical flower heads, perfect for large ponds, lakes, and wildlife habitats.
Price range: £22.50 through £26.50 (inc VAT)
Branched Bur-reed
Tall native marginal plant for large ponds, lakes, and natural wildlife habitats
Branched Bur-reed, also known as Sparganium erectum, is a bold and highly functional native aquatic plant that is perfectly suited to large ponds, lakes, and natural water features. With its tall upright foliage and distinctive spherical flower heads, it creates strong vertical structure while also delivering excellent ecological benefits.
Flowering from June through to August, this plant produces unique greenish white ball shaped flower heads along its stems. These later develop into spiky seed clusters, adding further seasonal interest and providing a valuable food source for wildfowl and other wildlife. The unusual form of the flowers gives this plant a natural, slightly architectural appearance that stands out beautifully in larger planting schemes.
The tall, reed like foliage can reach heights of up to 1.5 metres, creating dense stands that provide shelter, nesting areas, and protection for birds, amphibians, and aquatic insects. It is particularly beneficial for dragonflies, offering ideal conditions for emerging nymphs. The strong vertical growth also helps break up the water’s surface visually, adding depth and contrast to wider pond or lake environments.
As a fast growing and spreading plant, Branched Bur-reed is ideal for larger spaces where it has room to establish and thrive. It spreads via rhizomes, forming natural colonies that enhance the overall biodiversity of the pond. Due to its vigorous nature, it is not recommended for small ponds where it may quickly dominate.
This hardy UK native thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers consistently wet soils or shallow water conditions. It is an excellent choice for naturalistic planting, rewilding projects, and wildlife focused pond designs.
🇬🇧 UK-grown aquatic plant: Grown at a dedicated aquatic plant nursery in the South of England and carefully prepared for delivery across the UK.
Key Benefits
- Strong vertical structure for pond edges and lakes
- Unique spherical flower heads with seasonal interest
- Provides food source for wildfowl
- Excellent habitat for birds, amphibians, and insects
- Ideal for dragonflies and emerging aquatic life
- Fast growing and great for natural pond planting
- Hardy UK native plant
Reasons to Buy
- Perfect for large ponds and lakes
- Enhances biodiversity and wildlife habitats
- Creates a natural, reed style planting effect
- Easy to grow and establish
- Supplied ready planted for simple installation
Care Instructions
- Place the plant on a marginal shelf at a depth of 0 cm to 30 cm, measured from the top of the basket to the water surface.
- Position in full sun or partial shade. Branched Bur-reed prefers consistently wet or waterlogged soil. Divide clumps every few years in early spring to control spread and maintain vigour. Remove dead foliage and spent flower heads to keep the plant tidy and encourage healthy growth.
Flowering Period
June to August
Size and Growing Conditions
Botanical Name: Sparganium erectum
Common Name: Branched Bur-reed
Plant Type: Marginal
Flower Colour: White
Height: 100cm to 150cm
Spread: 2.5 metres to 4 metres
Growth Rate: Fast
Planting Depth: 0cm to 30cm
Position: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Moist to wet soil, ideal for pond margins and shallow water
Native to the UK: Yes
Dispatching Your Pond Plants
Your Branched Bur-reed will be carefully packed to protect the foliage and roots during transit.
Orders received by 11am Monday to Wednesday are normally dispatched on the following working day using a next working day courier service. During busy periods, dispatch may occasionally take an extra day.
To avoid plants being held in depots over a weekend, we do not usually dispatch on Fridays. Highlands and Islands orders using a two day service are not normally dispatched on Thursdays.
Available basket sizes:
- Pack of 3 × 9cm Pots
- 3 Litre Hexagonal Basket – 18 × 18 × 16cm
Planting depth is measured from the top of the aquatic basket to the water surface.
Plants supplied in 9cm pots require potting into suitable aquatic baskets before being placed in the pond.
Finofil baskets are manufactured in the UK from 100% recycled plastic and are fully recyclable. Their fine dual-mesh construction helps retain aquatic soil while allowing water and nutrients to reach the roots. Basket shape may vary slightly depending on the plant and supplier availability.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.