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Louisiana flatsedge

Scientific Name: Cyperus sanguinolentus

Family: Cyperaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Graminoid

Duration: Annual, Perennial

Other Names:

       

Louisiana Flatsedge and Its Relatives

This page provides information about Louisiana flatsedge (Cyperus louisianensis) and related species within the Cyperus genus, including their distribution, habitat, and other interesting facts.

Scientific Name and Common Names

  • Scientific Name: Cyperus louisianensis
  • Common Names: Louisiana Flatsedge, Purpleglume flatsedge (Cyperus sanguinolentus)
  • Other common names for the genus Cyperus include: papyrus sedges, flatsedges, nutsedges, umbrella-sedges, and galingales.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Family: Cyperaceae
  • Cyperus louisianensis Thieret is the accepted name (TSN 501932).
  • Synonyms and related species mentioned:
    • Cyperus sanguinolentus Vahl
    • Cyperus grayoides Mohlenbrock

Distribution and Habitat

  • The Louisiana flatsedge is found in Louisiana and along the eastern seaboard of the United States.
  • The text indicates its presence also in coastal prairies of Texas.
  • Other flatsedge species are widely distributed in Europe, Asia, and other parts of the United States, including Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas.
  • Several references suggest it grows well in rice fields and agricultural settings, particularly in Louisiana.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Cyperus species can be tufted annuals or perennials.
  • Culms (stems) are trigonous (triangular), smooth, and can grow from 5 to 80 cm high, up to 2 mm in diameter.

Ecological Role

  • Several Cyperus species, including rice flatsedge (Cyperus iria), are considered weeds, especially in rice cultivation.
  • Some species have developed resistance to herbicides.

Quirky Facts

  • Pollen from a Louisiana flatsedge was once used as trace evidence in a crime lab.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Chufa flatsedge (Cyperus esculentus) tubers are a food source for waterfowl.
  • Rice flatsedge is a target for certain herbicides and new bird repellent options in Louisiana rice cultivation.

Further Information

  • USDA PLANTS database
  • Plant NET Flora Online
  • Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Natural Heritage Program.
  • National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA.