Cyperus retrorsus
pine barren flatsedge
Family
Cyperaceae
Leaf Arrangement
alternate, basal (rosulate)
Leaf Type
cauline, simple
Leaf Shape
linear
Growth Form
graminoid
Flower Color
inconspicuous
Flower Month
July - October
Height (meters)
0.1 - 1.0
Milky Sap
No
Armed/Unarmed
Unarmed
Origin
native
Lifespan
perennial
Growing Season
Warm season
Wetland Class
FACU
Wetland Coefficient of Conservatism
6
Prairie Coefficient of Conservatism
2
Field Characters
Spikes oblong, dense, with many spikelets. Floral scales reddish brown. Inflorescence bracts ascending. In contrast, inflorescence bracts of C. croceus and C. echinatus are widely spreading, coming off the stem at right angles.
Natural History
Found in a variety of habitats from wet marshy shores, pine savannas, and prairies, to well-drained sands and clays. Often found colonizing disturbed places. Ranges throughout the coastal plains from New York to south Florida and west to Texas.
Habitat
Sandy barrens and coasts.