Contents
Description
Butomus is a genus of aquatic plants that belongs to the Butomaceae family. This genus consists of only one species, Butomus umbellatus, which is commonly known as flowering rush. It is native to Europe, Asia, and North America and can be found growing in shallow waters such as marshes, lakes, and slow-moving streams.The flowering rush is a herbaceous perennial that can grow up to 1.5 meters in height. It has long, narrow leaves that are triangular in cross-section and grow from the base of the plant. The flowers are pink or white and grow in an umbrella-like cluster at the top of a long stem. The plant blooms from June to August and produces fruit in the form of a capsule.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Monocots |
| Order | Alismatales |
| Family | Butomaceae |
| Genus | Butomus |
Appearance
The Butomus plant has long, narrow leaves that can grow up to 1 meter in length. The leaves are triangular in cross-section and grow from the base of the plant. The stem can grow up to 1.5 meters in height and is topped with an umbrella-like cluster of pink or white flowers. The plant blooms from June to August and produces fruit in the form of a capsule.
Care Guide
To care for a Butomus plant, it is important to provide it with the right conditions. Here are some tips:- Water: The plant should be grown in shallow water, preferably up to 20 cm deep.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: The plant does not require soil as it is an aquatic plant.- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and can be grown in hardiness zones 4 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Butomus plant is relatively disease resistant, but it can be susceptible to some pests such as snails and slugs. These pests can be controlled by removing them by hand or using a commercial pesticide. The plant can also be susceptible to fungal infections, which can be treated with a fungicide.
Habitat
The Butomus plant is native to Europe, Asia, and North America and can be found growing in shallow waters such as marshes, lakes, and slow-moving streams. It prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Butomus be grown in a container?
A: Yes, Butomus can be grown in a container as long as it is placed in shallow water.
Q: How often should Butomus be fertilized?
A: Butomus should be fertilized once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Can Butomus be grown in hardiness zone 3?
A: Butomus is not recommended to be grown in hardiness zone 3 as it prefers warmer temperatures.
Q: Does the Butomus plant require soil?
A: No, the Butomus plant does not require soil as it is an aquatic plant.
Related Plants
– Alisma plantago-aquatica- Sagittaria latifolia- Typha latifolia
References
– “Butomus umbellatus (Flowering Rush).” Royal Horticultural Society. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/12087/Butomus-umbellatus/Details.- “Butomus umbellatus.” Missouri Botanical Garden. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=280128&isprofile=0&.- “Flowering Rush (Butomus umbellatus).” Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/aquaticplants/floweringrush.html.
