It was previously placed alone in the family Sparganiaceae. Sparganium is closely related to the Typhaceae and the APG III system (2009) includes Sparganium in that family. It has been determined from phylogenetic analysis to be the closest living relative of the genus Typha (cat-tail).
Summary
Sparganium, commonly known as the bur-reed, is a genus of aquatic plants of shallow marshes, ponds, and streams. There are 9 species found in the United States and Canada.[6] The stem, which may be floating or emergent, emerges from a buried rhizome, which like many wetland plants, is dependent upon aerenchyma to transport oxygen to the rooting zone. The leaves are strap-like. The flowers are borne in spherical heads, which bear either male or female flowers.[7] The seeds may accumulate in the soil as dense seed banks, which allow the plants to regenerate during low water periods.[8]
Sparganium is an important component of aquatic and marsh vegetation in temperate to arctic regions. It provides food and cover for wildlife and waterfowl.
The genus name Sparganium was published by Linnaeus in Species Plantarum (1753), with two species recognized: S. erectum and S. natans.
Perhaps the first mention of Sparganium in the English language was made by William Turner (1562).[9] Turner noted that there was no name for the plants in English, and suggested bede sedge or knop sedge. Further, he noted, "the virtues of Sparganium: The roote is good to be geven wyth wyne agaynste the poyson of serpentes."
^Angiosperm Fruits and Seeds from the Middle Miocene of Jutland (Denmark) by Else Marie Friis, The Royal Danish Academy of Sciences and Letters 24:3, 1985
