Tule
From Biocrawler, the free encyclopedia.
The tule (Scirpus acutus), also known as the common tule, hardstem tule, tule rush, hardstem bulrush, or viscid bulrush, is a type of sedge in the plant family Cyperaceae. It is generally pronounced "too-lee".
The tule is a perennial monocot herb native to freshwater marshes all over North America. It is so common in California wetlands that several places in the state were named for it, including Tulare.
It has a thick, rounded green stem, long, grasslike leaves, and radially symmetrical, clustered pale brownish flowers. Tules at shorelines play an important ecological role, helping to buffer against wind and water forces, thereby allowing the establishment of other types of plants and reducing erosion. Tules are sometimes cleared from waterways using herbicides. When erosion occurs, tule rhizomes are replanted in strategic areas.
Tules were, and still are, used to make baskets, bowls, mats, clothing, duck decoys, and even boats by Native American groups. They are dyed and woven.
