Cyperus acuminatus Torrey & Hooker ex Torrey. Pointed Flatsedge. Phen: May-Oct. Hab: Wet meadows or depressions, especially in glades, barrens, or woodlands over limestone; also ditches and sidewalk cracks. Dist: IL west to ND, south to w. LA, TX, and n. Mexico (COA, NLE, TAM); disjunct from WA to s. CA; disjunct eastward at scattered localities in VA, NC, GA (Echols 2007), TN, KY, and OH (where probably native), and NY and NH (where probably introduced).

ID notes: The combination of pseudolateral inflorescences, spikelets in glomerulate heads, and excurved-mucronate scale apices is diagnostic. Forms of C. surinamensis with erect bracts may superficially resemble C. acuminatus, but lack excurved scale apices and usually have taller, densely antrorsely scabridulous culms.

Origin/Endemic status: Native

Synonymy ⓘ: = Ar, C, ETx1, F, FNA23, G, GrPl, GW1, Il, K1, K3, K4, Mex, Mi, Mo1, NcTx, NE, NY, Pa, Tn, Tx, W, Carter (1990); = n/a – RAB, Tat

Show in key(s)

Show parent genus

Wetland Indicator Status:

• Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain: OBL
• Eastern Mountains and Piedmont: OBL
• Great Plains: OBL
• Midwest: OBL
• Northcentral & Northeast: OBL

Heliophily ⓘ: 8