Forming slowly spreading clumps, Great Bulrush is typified by soft, gracefully, arching stems topped by flowing, rusty-brown inflorescences spring through summer. The tallest bulrush in Illinois, and important food for many wetland birds, it is found in a variety of wetlands. On muddy shores associates include Eleocharis obtusa & Mimulus ringens. In shallow water an associate is Sagittaria latifolia. Marshland associates include Asclepias incarnata, Carex cristatella, & Leersia oryzoides.