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Houghton's flatsedge
Scientific Name: Cyperus houghtonii
Family: Cyperaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Graminoid
Duration: Perennial
Other Names: IN (houghton's nutsedge), MA (Houghton's flatsedge
Houghton's Flatsedge (Cyperus houghtonii)
Houghton's flatsedge, scientifically known as Cyperus houghtonii, is a perennial herb belonging to the sedge family (Cyperaceae). It is also commonly referred to as Houghton's umbrella-sedge or Houghton's cyperus.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Cyperus houghtonii Torrey
- Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge family)
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Taxonomic Rank: Species
- Synonyms: Houghton's umbrella-sedge, Houghton's cyperus
Distribution and Habitat
This rare native flatsedge is found in northeastern North America, extending westward. It typically grows in dry, sandy areas such as roadsides, lakeshores, sandplains, and woodlands.
Morphological Characteristics
Cyperus houghtonii is a perennial herb with a cespitose (tufted) growth habit. Its bases are cormose (having a short, swollen underground stem) and rhizomatous (possessing horizontal underground stems). It is classified as a Graminoid plant.
Ecological Role
While generally a native species, there's a mention that Houghton's flatsedge *can* be weedy, but there's a lack of published literature about this. This information might suggest it has the potential to become invasive in some environments.
Further Information
- USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
- Discover Life
- New England Wildflower Society