Jointed Flat Sedge

Cyperus articulatus

USDA, NRCS. 2018. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 28 March 2018). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.

What is Jointed Flat Sedge?

Physical Characteristics

Leaves:

• Few leaves
• Close to the base of plant
• Few bracts
• Bracts 0.13-0.44 inches long

Flowers:

• 4-12 spikelets

Spikelets:

• 0.23-1 inches long
• About 0.07 inches wide
• 3 stamen

Fruit:

• Dry
• Does not open to release seed when ripe
• 3-angled

Stem:

• Hollow stems grow from rhizomes
• 0.28-2.17 inches apart
• 1.75-4.75 inches long
• 0.08-0.31 inches thick
• Slightly triangular

Where Does it Grow?

Jointed flat sedge can be found in moist or wet clay meadows, in mud on the edge of lakes, and along streams.

Pros and Cons of Jointed Flat Sedge

Submerged portions of all aquatic plants provide habitats for many micro and macro invertebrates. These invertebrates in turn are used as food by fish and other wildlife species (e.g. amphibians, reptiles, ducks, etc.). After aquatic plants die, their decomposition by bacteria and fungi provides food (called “detritus”) for many aquatic invertebrates.