Bulrush
Typha domingensis

GATHERING:
Bulrush is best gathered when its at its best, which is when the leaves are fully grown and are still green, so before they have started to brown off and die. depending on which part of the country you are in, this occurs either just before Christmas or further south early January. 
Leaves should be cut just above the water line or aas far down the base as you can.  Alternatively, an entire clump can be removed along with roots and tubers, which will certainly assist with thinning the plants out.

STORAGE: 
If you've gathered the bulrush in clumps, the leaves will need separating at the base, (as shown on the right)
Leaves should then be tied in bundles of approx 20 at a time from the tips, which allows the thicker base part of the leaf free to dry.
Spreading the leaves out on a drying rack for a few days, can give the drying process a good had start before hanging the bundles in a dry dark place to finish drying.

an old car roof rack made the perfect drying rack!

Tied with soft fabric strips at the tips

DESCRIPTION:
Bulrush occurs around the world. In Australia it is commonly known as Combungi, growing prolificly in wetlands and lakes providing habitat for water birds, fish and insects.  Whilst it's become a troublesome weed, taking over farm dams, creeks and waterways, it is a fantastic weaving fibre, so as a weaver, the most relevant information is which type is best for weaving and when to gather it.

Seed head of Typha domingensis

There are three 'Typha' species growing in Australia: T.domingensis, T. orientalis and T. latifolia.
​When it comes to weaving, Typha domingensis is preferred for its softer leaves.
Identified as the narrow leaved variety with a pale and narrow seed head. 
T. latifolia has a much fatter dark brown seed head and T. orientalis has much broader leaves, neither of which make good weaving material.

A FEW PROJECTS USING THE VERY VERSATILE BULRUSH