Northeastern bulrush is a member of the sedge family and is described as a “leafy bulrush” with a characteristic flower that resembles arcing, exploding fireworks. The species may grow as single plants or form larger clumps of multiple stems and flowers sharing a common rhizome. It generally grows in palustrine emergent wetlands and vernal pools where the species appears to be well adapted to seasonal water level fluctuations.
As its name implies, northeastern bulrush is found in the northeastern United States from Virginia north to New Hampshire and Vermont. Pennsylvania is in the center of the current range and plays a very special role in maintaining the species. Since its federal listing in 1991, more populations have been discovered and documented across its range. While most states have just a few populations, Pennsylvania has more than 80, making it an important genetic stronghold for the plant.
However, records from past sporadic visits to these populations indicate that the bulrush may be declining over time. We are interested in documenting this potential decline and understanding the reasons for decline.
Similar to other threatened and endangered species, there are a suite of threats attributed to the decline of northeastern bulrush. Habitat degradation and destruction is a primary cause. Development activities like road construction, logging operations, agricultural and infrastructure activities related to natural resource extraction all have the potential to degrade or destroy the isolated wetlands where northeastern bulrush is found. Development activities can introduce invasive species which can either degrade habitat or outcompete northeastern bulrush for resources.
ATV usage in vernal pools also contributes to habitat degradation by disturbing soils and potentially altering drainage patterns in pools. ATVs can also damage and destroy plants.
Wildlife damage is an additional threat to the species. Deer and bear often use vernal pools as water sources and wallowing areas. Plants may be damaged and crushed as animals move through and use the pools. Deer also browse northeastern bulrush, which can have multiple population-level effects depending on when the browsing occurs.
Previous research indicates bulrush is sensitive to changes in hydrology (water depth and duration) and light availability. Although northeastern bulrush lives in a habitat where water levels fluctuate seasonally, extreme fluctuations like droughts or extended flooding have the potential to negatively affect populations. Shading from overarching trees surrounding vernal edges is also suspect to contributing to the decline of the species. These threats are of particular interest to WPC biologists and are being investigated as part of a long-term monitoring effort.
