Cyperus oxylepis

sharpscale flatsedge
Family

Cyperaceae

Leaf Arrangement

basal (rosulate)

Leaf Type

cauline, simple

Leaf Shape

linear

Growth Form

graminoid

Flower Color

inconspicuous

Flower Month

May - August

Height (meters)

0.3 - 0.8

Milky Sap

No

Armed/Unarmed

Unarmed

Origin

introduced

Lifespan

perennial

Growing Season

Warm season


Wetland Class

FACW

Wetland Coefficient of Conservatism

4

Prairie Coefficient of Conservatism

-1

Field Characters

The spikes are quite long in this species. The upper part of the leaves are rolled inward, while the leaf bases are straw colored and splotched with red, feeling spongy when fresh. The plants have a distinctive aromatic quality, and the leaves and bracts are sticky (viscid) to the touch. The floral scales are golden yellow.

Natural History

Found infrequently in clay ditches and ponds along the coast of Louisiana and Texas.

Habitat

Clay ditches and ponds.