bulrush

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun tall marsh plant with cylindrical seed heads that explode when mature shedding large quantities of down; its long flat leaves are used for making mats and chair seats; of North America, Europe, Asia and North Africa
noun tall rush with soft erect or arching stems found in Eurasia, Australia, New Zealand, and common in North America

From Middle English bulrish, perhaps from bule (“bull”) (in the sense of "large") + rish (“rush”).

How careful he was of the third bulrush! — The Crimson Fairy Book, Andrew Lang
They have tucked it safe mong the bulrushes. — Ulysses, James Joyce
Billy's sharp eyes had seen something moving over in the bulrushes. — The Adventures of Reddy Fox, Thornton W. (Thornton Waldo) Burgess

cat's-tail, bullrush, nailrod, reed mace, reedmace, Typha latifolia

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