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.