foxtail flatsedge
(Cyperus alopecuroides)
This species is Introduced in the United States
Origin
Native to Egypt.
Appearance
Cyperus alopecuroides is a large wetland sedge, growing to 11.5' (3.5 m) tall.
Foliage
Blades are broad and up to 4.3' (1.3 m) long. Edges are serrated and sharp. Stems are triangular, smooth.
Fruit
Branched with densely clustered spikes, surrounded by wide bracts that can be up to 5.9" (1.8 m) long.
Could be confused with:
Umbrella plant (not native) is also a large sedge with bracts surrounding the inflorescence but the seeds are clustered differently and umbrella plant has no obvious leaves.
Citation
Angelo, C., Cooley, H., Giardina, D., et al. 2019. Everglades CISMA: Early Detection, Rapid Response Plant Species. Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC) CISMA and Friends of Everglades CISMA. Retrieved from https://bugwoodcloud.org/mura/ECISMA/assets/File/ECISMA_plantEDRR_.pdf
Native to Egypt.
Appearance
Cyperus alopecuroides is a large wetland sedge, growing to 11.5' (3.5 m) tall.
Foliage
Blades are broad and up to 4.3' (1.3 m) long. Edges are serrated and sharp. Stems are triangular, smooth.
Fruit
Branched with densely clustered spikes, surrounded by wide bracts that can be up to 5.9" (1.8 m) long.
Could be confused with:
Umbrella plant (not native) is also a large sedge with bracts surrounding the inflorescence but the seeds are clustered differently and umbrella plant has no obvious leaves.
Citation
Angelo, C., Cooley, H., Giardina, D., et al. 2019. Everglades CISMA: Early Detection, Rapid Response Plant Species. Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC) CISMA and Friends of Everglades CISMA. Retrieved from https://bugwoodcloud.org/mura/ECISMA/assets/File/ECISMA_plantEDRR_.pdf
Selected Images
Maps
EDDMapS Distribution - This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts, herbaria, and literature. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org
Taxonomic Rank
| Domain: Eukarya |
| Kingdom: Plantae |
| Phylum: Magnoliophyta |
| Class: Magnoliopsida |
| Superorder: Lilianae |
| Order: Poales |
| Family: Cyperaceae |
| Subfamily: Cyperoideae |
| Tribe: Cypereae |
| Genus: Cyperus |
| Cyperus alopecuroides |
References
Common Name Reference: USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.
Scientific Name Reference: USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.