The Sparganiaceae is a family of aquatic plants that are typically found in freshwater habitats. Commonly known as bur-reeds, these plants have cylindrical stems with long, narrow leaves and clustered flowers. There are several synonyms for the Sparganiaceae family, including the bur-reed family, the grass-leaved bur-reed family, and the tape-grass family. These synoyms refer to the family's distinct features, such as the grass-like leaves and the tape-like appearance of the stems. Bur-reeds are important for aquatic ecosystems, providing shelter for fish and invertebrates and improving water quality by absorbing excess nutrients.