Sparganium androcladum, commonly known as Branched Bur-Reed or Branching Bur-Reed, is a deciduous perennial herb that thrives in a variety of freshwater wetland habitats, including marshes, fens, and the edges of ponds and lakes across Eastern North America. It typically grows at a moderate rate to a height of 1.5-3 feet (0.46-0.9 meters) and features simple, erect stems with narrow, grass-like leaves. The greenish flowers, which bloom in the summer, are arranged in spherical clusters and are not particularly showy, but they do provide ecological value to wetland wildlife. The plant also produces bur-like fruit that can be a point of interest.

Branched Bur-Reed is valued for its ability to stabilize soil and filter water, making it beneficial for riparian plantings and ecological restoration projects. It is also used in water gardens and naturalized areas. This plant requires consistently moist to wet conditions and can tolerate standing water, making it suitable for planting in bog gardens or at the water’s edge. It prefers full sun to part shade and thrives in very slow draining clay or loam soils. While generally low-maintenance, it can spread aggressively in ideal conditions and may require management to prevent unwanted expansion.CC BY-SA 4.0