A flowering rush is a perennial plant that belongs in the lomandraceae family of plants. It can be found naturally in Europe and it is commonly used as a garden plant. The flowering rush is considered exotic and is known for growing next to streams, ponds, or rivers. It can also grow in the water and when the plant is aquatic, it is invasive.
The flowering rush plant can grow in and out of water, but it has every characteristic of a land plant. It has long grass-like stems that are dark green. The plant's blooms grow on the top of these stems and are surrounded by leaves. These dark green leaves are oblong with a pointed edge. They have a deep vein that runs through the center of the leaflet, and tinnier veins that are seen on the rest of the leaf.
This plant blooms in mid spring to early summer. The blossoms are creamy white to tan in color and they also have a signature splash of purple or burgundy on the petals, as well as in the center of the flower. There are three smaller petals that form a circle as they sit behind three larger petals. The center of the flower has several burgundy sprouts with dotted, colored tips. These blooms are typically surrounded by other flower buds.
These flowering rush plants are considered hardy because they are able to handle temperatures that go below 0 Fahrenheit (around -15 C), even for long periods of time. They can grow to reach 18 inches (around 40 cm) in height. The plant can be used in a garden setting but in an aquatic setting, it has a tendency to take over large areas.
In some areas, owning a flowering rush plant is illegal because it can harm or damage surrounding plant life. It can also interfere with fish and other aquatic animals as well because it kills the plant life that they rely on. Once the flowering rush has taken over an area, it is virtually impossible to completely remove it. This plant is also easily spread because beavers and muskrats can move it and it can even live on boating equipment.