(Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani), Hardstem Bulrush (Schoenoplectus acutus), Three-square Bulrush (Schoenoplectus pungens), and River Bulrush (Bolboschoenus fluviatilis) are common perennial pond and lake colonizers that can grow in water up to 5 feet. Softstem and hardstem bulrush support long cylindrical leaves that grow 3-8 feet high. Three-square has triangular leaves that grow 2-5 feet. Bulrushes provide important spawning, nursery, and foraging habitat for fish and waterfowl. Bulrush species are also very effective at taking up nutrients and stabilizing shorelines.