Nakneshk (soft stemmed bulrush)
Traditionally, nakneshk or soft stemmed bulrush, was harvested by women of the Human Clan in dgwaget. Growing in large colonies, this cool season perennial is commonly found in wet prairies, non-tidal marshes, swamps, the fringes of lakes and ponds, sloughs, freshwater or brackish shorelines and inland shallow waters throughout the United States. This species prefers silty or peaty soils, seeding itself and spreading vigorously. The long leafless stem can mature to a height of 10’ and a width of 1” at the base. Blooming from late spring to fall, flowers form into hanging clusters of reddish-brown spikelets.
Uses:
-Utility: mats, bags, basketry and toys.
-Nutritionally: roots were dried for bread meal or boiled for syrup.
-Medicinally: stems were made into a poultice to stop bleeding and treat snakebites.