SafePlants

Cyperus squarrosus: Bearded Flatsedge

Cyperus squarrosus, commonly known as bearded flatsedge or awned flatsedge, is a species of sedge with a distinctive appearance.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant has a strong fenugreek-like smell when dried, which might be attractive to some animals.

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions small, tuberous roots being used as food by the Acoma people. While this doesn't imply toxicity, it's important to supervise children around wild plants.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cyperus squarrosus L.
• Common Names: Bearded flatsedge, awned flatsedge, bearded nutgrass, awned umbrella-sedge, Fendler flatsedge, Fendler's flatsedge, Fendler's nutgrass.
• Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge family)
• Kingdom: Plants
• Order: Cyperales
• Synonyms: Chlorocyperus inflexus, Cyperus aristatus, Cyperus squarrosus var. runyonii (O'Neill) S.D. Jones & J. Wipff.

Distribution and Habitat

• This flatsedge is found in wet environments.
• Specific locations mentioned include Oklahoma and Viceroy Mine Canyon, Salero Ranch, Santa Cruz Co., Arizona.

Morphological Characteristics

• It is a summer annual, typically about 2-6 inches tall.
• It sends up several culms from the base, otherwise it is unbranched.
• The culms are up to 4 inches long.
• Dwarf tufted annual smelling strongly of fenugreek when dried.
• Culms are triquetrous (three-angled) and smooth, 2-15 cm high, and up to 1.5 mm in diameter.
• The spikelets are arranged in heads, and individual florets have a tip that curves outwards.

Quirky Facts

• The plant smells strongly of fenugreek when dried.
• The floral scales have strongly recurved tips, making it relatively easy to identify.

Ecology

• It is a grass.

Additional Information

• Further information can be found on Discover Life's page about Cyperus squarrosus.
• The USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database also provides information.