Schweinitz's flat-sedge

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Schweinitz's flat-sedge

Schweinitz's flat-sedge

Schweinitz's flat-sedge inflorescence

Schweinitz's flat-sedge

Schweinitz's flat-sedge

Schweinitz's flat-sedge

Morphology

Culm

Erect or ascending, 3-sided, usually rough near tip.

Leaves

Usually flat but edges occasionally rolled under, seldom reaching inflorescence, up to 1/3 inch wide; margins very rough.

Inflorescence

Cluster of 1-2 sessile spikes and 2-8 short spikes on ascending stalks 1 to 5 inches long; spikes oblong to egg-shaped, each with 5-18 spikelets; involucral bracts 3-6, strongly ascending, as long or much exceeding inflorescence.

Spikelet

Spikelets ascending, flattened, 8-18 flowered, 1.2 to 1 inch long; scales egg-shaped, firm, conspicuously nerved, pointed; stamens 3; style 3-cleft.

Fruit

Achene, ellipsoid, 3-sided, up to 1/10 inch long, brown or black.

Ecology

Habitat

Lowland prairies or sand hills; sandy soils.

Distribution

Throughout Kansas, but infrequently in southeast corner.

Practical Information

Forage Value

The Kiowa considered it good horse fodder.

Additional Notes