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flatsedge
Scientific Name: Cyperus dioicus
Family: Cyperaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Tall Flatsedge (Cyperus eragrostis) and Other Flatsedges
This page provides information about various flatsedges, focusing on Cyperus eragrostis (Tall Flatsedge) and other related species. Flatsedges are members of the Cyperus genus, which encompasses a diverse group of sedges found in various habitats worldwide.
Considerations for Pets
- Several species of flatsedge are often found along rivers, ponds, and marshy areas, including within residential landscaping.
Considerations for Children
- Several species of flatsedge are often found along rivers, ponds, and marshy areas, including within residential landscaping.
Nomenclature and Taxonomy
- Scientific Name: Cyperus eragrostis
- Common Names: Tall flatsedge, nutgrass, tall nutgrass, umbrella sedge, chufa, Earth almond
- Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge family)
- Rank: Species
Distribution and Habitat
- Tall flatsedge (Cyperus eragrostis) is common in Marin County, California.
- Nationally, flat sedge is mainly found in northern England, East Anglia, and the West Midlands down to Dorset.
- Straw-colored flatsedge is found on pond shores, river sandbars, and in ditches, often on sandy soil.
- Houghton's Flatsedge is a perennial plant of dry, often sandy, soil.
Ecological Role
- Some species, like the umbrella flat sedge, may become invasive in certain areas.
- C. iria is considered a major weed of rice in Sri Lanka, India, and the Philippines.
- Rice flatsedge and barnyardgrass are competitive weeds in rice crops.
- Nut flatsedge prefers human-disturbed soils.
Morphological Characteristics
- Flat sedge is an emersed plant, typical of its genus.
- Perennial flatsedges can reach 𔃁' tall and are unbranched.
- Culms are 3-angled, glabrous (smooth), and stout.
- Leaves develop along the lower half of the stem.
- Stems are solid and triangular in cross-section (Cyperus surinamensis - Tropical Flat Sedge).
- Culms can be slender, wiry, 3-sided, and glabrous.
- Leaves can be folded lengthwise or flat, 2 to 18 inches long, and 1/25 to 1/7 inch wide.
- The species vary greatly in size, with small species only 5 cm tall, while others can reach 5 m in height.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Rice flatsedge and barnyardgrass are widespread and competitive weeds in direct-seeded rice.
Quirky Facts
- Native Americans used the roots of nut flatsedge as food and as a remedy for colds.
- One way to distinguish subspecies is by how loosely or closely the scales are arranged around the fruit.
Additional Information
- ARKive provides photos and facts on Smooth flatsedge.
- Wikimedia Commons hosts media related to Cyperus odoratus (Fragrant Flatsedge).
- UF/IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants offers identification resources.