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Branched Bur-reed
(Sparganium erectum)
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Branched Bur-reed © Andrew Gagg/Plantlife
An quirky looking waterside plant with spherical flowers.
Branched bur-reed might occasionally be mistaken for its unbranched relative (appropriately named 'unbranched bur-reed') but little else. It has linear leaves that lie broadside on to stem.
It is one of the plants we keep track of in our Wildflowers Count survey - click here to find out how you can help out.
Distribution
Widespread around the UK.
Habitat
Waters edge, ponds, slow rivers, marshy ground, ditches. Branched bur-reed is an easily uprooted plant and so prefers slower waters.
Best time to see
Flowers April-June.