Tule, cattail, rushes, and sedges
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May 4, 2024
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Have you heard the expression, “Sedges have edges, rushes are round, and grasses have nodes from the top to the ground.” This expression describes their leaves.
Do you know the differences between tule, cattail, rushes, and sedges? Let’s learn about the three plant families: Cyperaceae, Juncaceae, and Typhaceae. Cyperaceae is the sedge family, which includes tule, bulrush, and other sedges. The sedge Carex is common in the county. There are 36 different species of Carex in Marin. Both the California tule and the common tule (Schoenoplectus) grow in Marin.
Juncaceae is the rush family. There are fifteen species of rushes in Marin. California grey rush, Juncus patens, is commonly used in gardens because of its grass-like appearance and low water use.
Typhaceae is a family of cattails. You may have seen these tall, graceful plants growing at the edge of fresh or brackish water. Typha latifolia has a cylindrical stem and those distinctive red-brown flower spikes.
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Katie Martin