How to Grow Narrowleaf Bur-Reed

Overview

Bur-reeds are shoreline plants that grow partially underwater. The spiny, bur-like flower heads grow on either side of the stems. Long, ribbon-type leaves grow on the stem underwater with smaller, stiffer leaves growing along the stem above water. Bur-reads attract waterfowl to your ponds and natural water features and also provides a food source to deer and other animals. In grows well in wet areas over the entire United States and prefers shallow water or grows near the shoreline in larger bodies of water.

Step 1

Collect seeds once they are ready to fall from the plant and plant immediately indoors in the fall. Store seeds in moist peat moss until spring if fall sowing is not possible.

Step 2

Fill a 4-inch diameter pot with rich growing mix. Set the pots inside 2-inch deep trays.

Step 3

Plant the seed in the center of the pot and 1 inch beneath the soil surface. Place the tray and pots in a warm room or a greenhouse to germinate.

Step 4

Fill the trays with 1 to 1.5 inches of water and maintain the water level at all times. Increase the water level in the tray to pace the growth and height of the bur-reed seedling.

Step 5

Transplant seedlings outdoors once all danger of frost has passed in the spring. Plant each bur-reed so the base of the plant is underwater right at the shoreline. Cover the root ball and firm the soil well to hold the plant in place and upright.