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Flowering rush

Flowering rush grows along the edges of our canals and rivers, easily identified by its attractive umbrella of flowers seen in late spring and early summer.

Tall grass-like stems with clusters of pink flowers stand tall against a blue sky. Despite its name, the flowering rush is not a true rush.

Flowering rush facts

Scientific nameButomus umbellatus

FamilyButomaceae

Origin: Native

Type: Perennial

Flowering rush and our canals

This pretty rush-like plant brightens up the water’s edge along our canals. It grows in tall, upright stems with clusters of pink flowers and spreads with creeping rhizomes. Along with other waterside plants, flowering rush provides a valuable habitat for wildlife species, like dragonflies and damselflies.

Flowering rush was accidentally introduced to North America in the late 19th century, where it’s become an aggressive invasive species.

What does flowering rush look like?

While flowering rush is not a true rush, it's a tall plant that looks a lot like a one with clustered cup-shaped pink flowers. The leaves are long, grass-like green stems.

Where to find flowering rush

Flowering rush grows on the shallow margins of our canals and reservoirs. It prefers still and slow-moving waters up to a depth of three metres. You’ll find flowering rush on many of our canals, including the Lancaster and Montgomery canals, as well as Brent Reservoir.

When to see flowering rush

Flowering rush is a perennial plant, visible from spring to autumn and flowering in the summer.

Other plant species to look out for

Last Edited: 04 June 2025

photo of a location on the canals
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