ML070720658

Wrcf - Northeastern Bulrush

ML070720658
Person / Time
Site:	Susquehanna
Issue date:	03/07/2007
From:	State of PA, Dept of Conservation and Natural Resources
To:	Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
ALICIA MULLINS 301-415-1224
References
Download: ML070720658 (2)

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WRCF - Northeastern Bulrush PA STATE AGENCIES ONLINE SERVICES Wild Resource Conservation Printer-Friendly version Festival Contacts Donate or Purchase Products Keystone Wild Notes Endangered &

Threatened Species in PA Donate to the Fund 2006 Grant Application Photo Credit: The Nature Conservancy IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: This tall,. leafy plant with erect stems reaches 47 inches in height. The clusters of brown flowers have no petals but are surrounded by six rigid, barbed bristles, which is the identifying characteristic of this plant. Another field clue that helps to distinguish this from other bulrushes is the arching rays of the flower cluster.

BIOLOGY-NATURAL HISTORY: The northeastern bulrush is a perennial member of the Sedge Family (Cyperaceae). It's considered a "leafy" bulrush because of its conspicuous leaves, unlike those of most other bulrushes.

This plant was identified as a new species in 1962, by Dr. Alfred E. Schuyler of the Pennsylvania Academy of Natural Sciences. Flowering stems are produced from short, woody, underground rhizomes. Flowers appear in June and July, and seeds set between July and September. It most often reproduces vegetatively, when new plants develop on stems that have fallen to the ground.

PREFERRED HABITAT: The northeastern bulrush is found in small wetlands, usually one acre or less, where the water level is high in spring and drops through the summer. Its range includes Vermont, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia.

REASONS FOR BEING ENDANGERED: The unusual wetlands this species requires are impounded or drained for development. Even slight variations in the natural fluctuation of the water table can destroy this plant. Several historical sites in eastern Pennsylvania were destroyed by agricultural activities, development and quarrying. Hydrological studies should be done to determine the degree of impact of nearby activities on these fragile ecosystems. At present, 26 populations are known to be in Pennsylvania, most have been discovered since the species was listed and brought to the attention of ecologists.

MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS: On June 6, 1991, the northeastern bulrush became the second Pennsylvania plant to http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/wrcf/bulrush.aspx (1 of 2)3/7/2007 11:33:16 AM

WRCF - Northeastern Bulrush be listed as a federally endangered species. It is one of five species that will be inventoried and monitored through a cooperative agreement with the USF&WS. A five-year plan has been developed to further understand the species, so conservation measures can adequately protect the plants and habitat. Populations on state forest lands may be included within the Public Wild Plant Sanctuary Network.

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• FAQ http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/wrcf/bulrush.aspx (2 of 2)3/7/2007 11:33:16 AM