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Sparganium erectum

Species category

Weed

Common name

simplestem bur-reed, branched burreed, exotic bur-reed

Diagnostic characters

Planting unit

AcheneAchene:
A dry, hard, one-chambered, one-seeded indehiscent fruit, as in buckwheat (Fagopyrum) or sunflower (Helianthus). The fruit wall is not united with the seed coat.

Shape

ObovateObovate:
Inverted egg shaped with apical end the broadest.

Size

  • Length 6.5–8 mm
  • Width 2–4.5 mm
  • Thickness 2–3 mm

Color

Gray or dark brown

Texture

Smooth

Other structures

Straplike appendages are from the base.

Identification notes

Surface is distorted and wrinkled.

Noxious weed seed categories

Federal

Learn more on ITP's Federal Noxious Weed Disseminules tool.

AOSA examination list

Not included

Nomenclature

Family

Sparganiaceae

Valid name

Sparganium erectum L.

Sparganium erectum. Achenes with a distorted and wrinkled surface.
Sparganium erectum. Achenes with a distorted and wrinkled surface.
Sparganium erectum. Achenes with a distorted and wrinkled surface.
Sparganium erectum. Achenes with a distorted and wrinkled surface.
Sparganium erectum. Achenes with straplike appendages from the base. Photo by Julia Scher, USDA-APHIS-PPQ.
Sparganium erectum. Achenes with straplike appendages from the base. Photo by Julia Scher, USDA-APHIS-PPQ.
Sparganium erectum. Achenes with straplike appendages from the base. Photo by Julia Scher, USDA-APHIS-PPQ.
Sparganium erectum. Achenes with straplike appendages from the base. Photo by Julia Scher, USDA-APHIS-PPQ.