Butomus
(from bous, an ox, and temno, to cut; in reference to the sharp leaves, which injure the mouths of cattle that browse upon them). ORD. Alismaceae. A very handsome hardy perennial aquatic, of extremely easy culture on the margins of ponds or muddy banks. Propagated by divisions of the roots, in spring.
B. umbellatus (umbelled).* Flowering Rush; Water Gladiole. fl. rose-coloured, umbellate; pedicels with scariose sheathing bracts at the base; scape naked, terete, longer than the leaves. Summer. l. all radical. 2ft. to 3ft. long, linear, acuminate, triquetrous. England (ditches and ponds); rare in Ireland.