Bur-reed, also known as giant bur-reed, is a robust rhizomatous plant with thick, spongy stems and leaves. The flower spike has several fluffy, perfectly round spheres that later form into spiky, ball-shaped seedheads. The plant provides habitat and seeds for food for waterfowl. Bur-reed thrives in rich, wet soil along pond and lake margins, marshes, streams, swamps and in shallow standing water.