Cyperus retrofractus (Linnaeus) Torrey. Rough Flatsedge. Phen: Jul-Sep. Hab: Dry sandy or rocky woodlands and fields. Dist: NJ west to s. OH, and se. MO, south to GA. AL, and AR.
ID notes: C. lancastriensis is occasionally confused with this species, which, unlike other members of the C. retrofractus complex, often has multiple fertile scales; C. lancastriensis has spikelets reflexed only in the proximal half of the spike, lacking prolonged, involute terminal scales, and oblong-falcate (vs. narrowly oblong and straight) achenes.
Origin/Endemic status: Native
Syn: = Ar, C, FNA23, K1, K3, K4, Mo1, Pa, Tn, Tx, Va, WH3; = Cyperus dipsaciformis – F, RAB, S, W; = Cyperus retrofractus var. dipsaciformis – G
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© Gary P. Fleming