Texas
Wildbuds

Cyperus odortatus

(Fragrant Flatsedge)

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Cyperus odoratus, Choke Canyon State Park, McMullen Co. 8212

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Cyperus odoratus, Choke Canyon State Park, McMullen Co. 8082

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Cyperus odoratus, Choke Canyon State Park, McMullen Co. 8223

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Cyperus odoratus, Choke Canyon State Park, McMullen Co. 8080

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Cyperus odoratus, Choke Canyon State Park, McMullen Co. 8086

Scientific Name Cyperus odoratus USDA PLANTS Symbol CYOD
Common Name FRagrant Flatsedge, Rusty Flatsedge ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 39894
Family Cyperaceae (Sedge) SEINet
Reference
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Description Habitat: Wet soils and shallow water along shorelines, disturbed, muddy places, fresh or slightly brackish marshes; widespread.
Plant: Erect tufted annual or short-lived perennial with hairless, light-green, three-sided culms (stems) up to 36 inches tall.
Leaves: Usually 2 to 3 leaves along the lower third of the culm with ascending, arching, or widely spreading blades 3 to 12 inches long and 3/16 to nearly 1/2-inch wide; blades are V- or M-shaped in cross-section.
Inflorescence: Congested umbel or compound umbel of floral spikes up to 5 inches across and 4 inches tall above a whorl of several leafy bracts; usually 2 to 4 cylindrical spikes per cluster, each 1/2 to 1-1/2 inches long with 20 to 60 spikelets giving a bottle brush appearance; spikelets about 1/2-inch long, initially yellowish or whitish green, becoming yellowish or whitish brown then reddish brown or deep brown at maturity.
Bloom Period: Spring to fall, occasionally winter.
References: "Manual of the Vascular Plants of Texas" by Correll and Johnston, Illinois Wildflowers, Minnesota Wildflowers and SEINet.
BONAP Distribution Map


Map Color Key
Texas Status:
Native

Banner photo of Castilleja indivisa and Lupinus ssp. taken along FM 1323 north of Johnson City, Blanco County

© Tom Lebsack 2024