Photo: Ivar Leidus, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Water or marginal plant
Branched bur-reed: when and how to prune
Sparganium erectum
Branched bur-reed is best pruned in March.
| Pruning months | March |
|---|---|
| Flowering | June–August |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for birds |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Branched bur-reed: when to prune it?
In March, before the new leaves appear. Leave the old leaves and the seed heads standing over winter.
What else to prune in those months? March
Branched bur-reed: how to prune it?
- Cut the old, brown leaves and flower stems off just above the water surface.
- Remove leaves that fall into the water in autumn earlier, so they do not rot on the bottom.
- Ideally leave the seed heads until winter: ducks and other birds eat the seeds.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: March.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Caution: It also self-seeds through its floating fruits. Cut off the seed heads in autumn if you do not want new plants.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Branched bur-reed · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.