Plants of Stone Lakes NWR

Common Tules (Schoenoplectus acutus var. occidentalis) are native to freshwater marshes all over North America. Common Tules growing along shorelines have an important ecological role as wind and water buffers and therefore acting to shelter other plants and reduce erosion. Native Americans used Common Tules in the making of baskets, bowls, mats, hats, clothing, boats and houses. The seeds and roots of these
plants are eaten by waterfowl, and the dense stands provide nesting sites.