Bourgeau’s Nutrush: A Lesser-Known Sedge for Specialized Gardens
If you’ve stumbled across the name Bourgeau’s nutrush (Scleria bourgeaui), you’re probably wondering what exactly this plant is and whether it belongs in your garden. This perennial sedge is one of those plants that flies under the radar in most gardening circles, and for good reason – it’s a non-native species with limited ornamental appeal and very specific growing requirements.
What is Bourgeau’s Nutrush?
Bourgeau’s nutrush belongs to the sedge family (Cyperaceae), making it a grass-like plant rather than a true grass. Like other sedges, it has that characteristic triangular stem that gardeners often remember with the phrase sedges have edges. This perennial plant has established itself in Alabama, where it grows and reproduces without human intervention.
Where Does It Grow?
Currently, Bourgeau’s nutrush is documented as growing in Alabama within the United States. As a non-native species that has naturalized in this region, it represents just one small piece of the complex puzzle of introduced plants in our ecosystems.
Should You Plant Bourgeau’s Nutrush?
Here’s where things get interesting – and a bit complicated. While this sedge isn’t classified as invasive or noxious (as far as current records show), it’s also not a plant that most gardeners would actively seek out. There are several reasons why you might want to think twice before adding it to your landscape:
- Limited ornamental value compared to other sedge options
- Non-native status means it doesn’t support local wildlife as effectively as native alternatives
- Very little information available about its specific growing requirements and care needs
- Difficult to source from reputable nurseries
Better Native Alternatives
Instead of seeking out Bourgeau’s nutrush, consider these native sedge alternatives that will better support your local ecosystem while providing similar grass-like texture in your garden:
- Fox sedge (Carex vulpinoidea) – excellent for rain gardens and wet areas
- Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica) – perfect groundcover for shade
- Bladder sedge (Carex intumescens) – thrives in consistently moist soils
- Hop sedge (Carex lupulina) – adds interesting texture to water garden edges
The Bottom Line
While Bourgeau’s nutrush isn’t necessarily harmful to grow, it’s not particularly beneficial either. With so many beautiful native sedges available that offer better wildlife support, easier care, and more reliable performance, there’s really no compelling reason to seek out this obscure non-native species. Your garden – and local wildlife – will thank you for choosing native alternatives that have evolved alongside your local ecosystem.
If you’re passionate about growing unusual sedges, focus your energy on finding native species that might be underutilized in gardens. You’ll get the satisfaction of growing something unique while contributing to local biodiversity.
