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pine barren flatsedge

Scientific Name: Cyperus retrorsus

Family: Cyperaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Graminoid

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: NY (retrorse flatsedge), PA (retrorse flatsedge)

       

Pine Barren Flatsedge (Cyperus retrorsus)

Cyperus retrorsus, commonly known as pine barren flatsedge, is a graminoid perennial plant belonging to the sedge family (Cyperaceae).

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cyperus retrorsus Chapm.
  • Common Name: Pine barren flatsedge
  • Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge Family)
  • Synonyms:
    • Cyperus blodgettii
    • Cyperus cylindricus
    • Cyperus deeringianus
    • Cyperus nashii
    • Cyperus torreyi
  • Varieties: Cyperus retrorsus Chapm. var. retrorsus, Cyperus retrorsus var. nashii
  • Plant Form: Graminoid

Distribution and Habitat

  • Pine barren flatsedge is very rare in New England, which represents the northern limit of its mainly southeastern range.
  • It is also found in other locations such as Long Island Pine Barrens, Albany Pine Bush, and pine barrens vernal ponds.
  • Specific states mentioned include: LA, AR, OK, and NM.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Pine barren flatsedge is a perennial plant.
  • The plant is evergreen during spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
  • Adult specimens reach a medium size.
  • Flower color is green, yellow, or brown.
  • Flower arrangement is in a spike.

Ecological Role

  • Schweinitz's Flatsedge, a relative, occupies sites with exposed, sandy soil, including Atlantic and Great Lakes dunes, as well as disturbed sites at pine barrens and oak.
  • It can be found in old fields and upland pine areas.

Further Information

  • USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
  • Discover Life
  • Dave's Garden