Scleria ciliata
fringed nutrush
Family
Cyperaceae
Leaf Arrangement
alternate
Leaf Margin
ciliate
Leaf Type
simple
Leaf Shape
linear
Growth Form
graminoid
Flower Color
inconspicuous
Flower Month
April - October
Height (meters)
0.3 - 0.7
Milky Sap
No
Armed/Unarmed
Unarmed
Origin
native
Lifespan
perennial
Wetland Class
FAC
Field Characters
Scleria are easily identified by their white bony, naked fruit.
Cultural Information
The seeds of most Scleria species require no treatment for germination (Steffen 1997).
Animal Use
The fruits are generally classed as desirable food for quail, doves, and other birds.
Natural History
Fringed nutrush is found in southeast Texas and most of Louisiana. It is common, but seldom abundant, on sandy soils in prairie and pineywoods areas of the Coastal Plains.
Habitat
Savannas, pinelands, prairies.