Cyperus difformis L.

Variable Flatsedge; Small Flower Flatsedge

Herb

Annual

Vascular

Variable Flatsedge is an introduced herbaceous annual in the Sedge family (Cyperaceae). It is native from southern Europe south through Africa and east through Asia to Australia. In Alabama it can be found at scattered locations statewide. Variable Flatsedge grows in disturbed wet habitats such as lakes and ponds, roadside ditches, and storm drains. It is a clump-forming annual with a fibrous root system. Each clump has 1-15 erect stems that are 3-angled, glabrous, and 3-12 inches in height. There are 2-7 flat, linear, glabrous leaves. Flowers are produced in spikes that are arranged in dense, sessile, irregular heads. The heads are subtended by 2-4 bracts with minute teeth along their margins. The longest bract of the inflorescence appears as a continuation of culm and the other bracts are spreading. Spikelets are greenish-brown to purple-brown in color. The fruit is a light brown obovoid to elliptical achene. The surface of the achene is finely reticulate and papillose.—A. Diamond

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Not Native OBL (NWPL)

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