Castle in the rushes

Bulrush or bullrush is the common name for several large wetland grass-like plants, typically 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: Bolboschoenus
Schoenoplectus


Outside of the sedge family, the name is used for Typha, a genus in the Typhaceae family. The Botanical Society of the British Isles recommends "bulrush" as a common name for plants in the genus Typha. However, these species are widely known as "reed mace" in the United Kingdom.

One particular famous story involving bulrushes is that of the Ark of bulrushes. In this story, it is said that the infant Moses was found in a boat made of bulrushes. Within the context of the story, this is probably paper reed (Cyperus papyrus)