Aquatic and Wetland Vascular Plants of the Northern Great Plains
62. Cyperaceae, the Sedge Family
3. Cyperus L. -- Galingale, umbrella sedge1. Cyperus acuminatus Torr. & Hook.
Low tufted annual 5-20 cm tall. Leaves to as long as the culms or longer, 0.5-2 mm wide; involucral bracts similar, to 3 mm wide, surpassing the inflorescence. Spikelets crowded in 1-5 hemispheric to globose spikes, the spikes to 1 cm long, often broader than long, one spike sessile and additional ones borne on rays mostly 0.5-2(3) cm long; spikelets 3-7 mm long; scales 1-2 mm long, acuminate, curving outward toward the tip, pale green, becoming tan at maturity, strongly 3-nerved, the lateral nerves resembling keels; rachilla persistent, the scales falling separately; stamen solitary; styles trifid. Achenes tan to pale brown, trigonous, 0.5-0.9 mm long, ca. 1/2 as wide. Late Jul--Sep. Muddy or sandy stream banks, shores and flats; uncommon, in ND to frequent in NE; (IN to ND, s to GA, LA and TX; also the Pacific Coast).
Previous Section -- Carex vulpinoidea Michx. -- Fox sedge
Return to Family -- Cyperaceae - The Sedge Family
Next Section -- Cyperus aristatus Rottb. -- Awned cyperus
