Bulrush vs. Sedge — What's the Difference?

Bulrushes is the vernacular name for several large wetland grass-like plants in the sedge family (Cyperaceae). The name is particularly applied to several sedge family genera: Cyperus, the genus which includes the plant species likely referred to in the Biblical account of the Ark of bulrushes Scirpus, a genus commonly known as bulrushes in North America, which in previous circumscriptions has also included species now classified in the genera: Blysmus Bolboschoenus Scirpoides Isolepis Schoenoplectus TrichophorumOutside of the sedge family, the name is used for Typha, a genus in the family Typhaceae.

Any of numerous grasslike plants of the family Cyperaceae, characteristically having solid three-sided stems, leaves arranged in three rows, and spikelets of inconspicuous flowers.

Any of various aquatic or wetland sedges chiefly of the genus Scirpus, having grasslike leaves and usually clusters of small, often brown spikelets.

Any plant of the genus Carex, the true sedge, perennial, endogenous herbs, often growing in dense tufts in marshy places. They have triangular jointless stems, a spiked inflorescence, and long grasslike leaves which are usually rough on the margins and midrib. There are several hundred species.

Any of several wetland plants of similar aspect, such as the papyrus and the cattail.

Any plant of the family Cyperaceae.

Any of several wetland plants, mostly in the family Cyperaceae (the sedges):

Any of certain other plants resembling sedges, such as Gentiana rubricaulis and Andropogon virginicus.

(Americas) Sedges in the genera Bolboschoenus or Schoenoplectus (formerly considered Scirpus), having clusters of spikelets.

(fishing) A dry fly used in fly fishing, designed to resemble a sedge or caddis fly.

(UK) Cattails or reedmace, in the genus Typha

Obsolete spelling of siege

(biblical) A plant referred to in the story of Moses as growing along the banks of the Nile, which is believed to be the papyrus (Cyperus papyrus).

A flock of herons, cranes, or bitterns.

A kind of large rush, growing in wet land or in water.

Any plant of the genus Carex, perennial, endogenous, innutritious herbs, often growing in dense tufts in marshy places. They have triangular jointless stems, a spiked inflorescence, and long grasslike leaves which are usually rough on the margins and midrib. There are several hundred species.

Tall marsh plant with cylindrical seed heads that explode when mature shedding large quantities of down; its long flat leaves are used for making mats and chair seats; of North America, Europe, Asia and North Africa

A flock of herons.

Tall rush with soft erect or arching stems found in Eurasia, Australia, New Zealand, and common in North America

Grasslike or rushlike plant growing in wet places having solid stems, narrow grasslike leaves and spikelets of inconspicuous flowers