Aquatic and Wetland Vascular Plants of the Northern Great Plains
62. Cyperaceae, the Sedge Family
5. Elocharis R. Br. -- Spikesedge, spikerush6. Eleocharis parvula (R. & S.) Link ex Buff. & Fingerh. -- Dwarf spikesedge
Very small, tufted, mat-forming perennial from filiform rhizomes; culms filiform, 2-6 cm tall, 0.2-0.3 mm thick; sheaths inconspicuous, membranous. Spikelets ovoid, 2-4 mm long, 1-2 mm thick; sterile basal scale 1; floriferous scales 2-9, pale throughout or brown on the sides, ovate, scarious on the margins, 1.5-2(2.5) mm long; perianth none or much reduced; styles trifid. Achenes pale brown and cellular-reticulate, trigonous, 0.9-1.3 mm long including the tubercle, 0.6-0.7 mm wide; tubercle inconspicuous, appearing confluent with the achene, not forming a distinct apical cap. Jul--early Sep. Wet saline or alkaline flats and shores; uncommon and scattered; (Newf. to Vancouver I., s to n S.Amer.; also w Europe and the Mediterranean region).
Plants of this region belong to var. anachaeta (Torr.) Svens.
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