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Rusty flat-sedge

Also known as: slender nutsedge, fragrant flatsedge

Cyperus odoratus L.

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Rusty flat-sedge
Rusty flat-sedge
Rusty flat-sedge
Rusty flat-sedge
Rusty flat-sedge
Rusty flat-sedge inflorescence
Rusty flat-sedge habit
Rusty flat-sedge

Morphology

Culm
Erect, stout, glabrous, prominently 3-angled.
Leaves
Narrow, elongated, shorter than culm, 1/10 to 2/5 inch wide, glabrous.
Inflorescence
Spikes, simple or compound, loose, elongate; stalks 3-10, unequal, 2 to 4 inches long; bracts several, long, leaf-like, mostly surpassing inflorescence.
Spikelet
Spikelets, numerous, linear-cylindric, spreading, up to 1.25 inch long, 4-30 flowered, easily break into sections, reddish to brownish color at maturity; scales ovate, up to 1/10 inch long, tip pointed or blunt, overlapping base of scale above.
Fruit
Achenes, 3-angled, oblong, less than 1/12 inch, brown.

Ecology

Habitat
Marsh areas and moist margins of streams, ponds and rivers; wet sand or mud.
Distribution
Throughout Kansas.

Additional Notes

Comments

Rusty flat-sedge is abundant in Kansas. This species can be quite variable in appearance.

Quick Facts
Plant Type
Sedge
Family
Cyperaceae - Sedge Family
Life Span
Annual
Height
4-32 inches
Last Updated
2018-02-24
Flowering Period
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Blooms: August, September, October