Flowering Rush (Butomus umbellatus)

Hydrilla is a rush-like plant that grows along shorelines to submerged in deep water, and is in the Butomaceae family. Native to Africa and Asia, Flowering rush has become an impactful invasive species in many northern parts of the United States. Flowering rush can easily fragment and spread rapidly through an aquatic system.

Flowering rush is not a true rush, nor is it a sedge, but is instead the only member of its taxonomic family. However, this plant can look similar to rushes or sedges, especially those with triangular stems. However, the combination of the umbel inflorescence with distinct pink flowers, along with the triangular stem distinguishes this plant.