Rhynchospora crinipes Gale. Alabama Beaksedge. Phen: Jul-Sep. Hab: Sand-clay bars and peaty stream banks of blackwater streams. In NC it occurs in indurated clay soils of the Cape Fear Formation along the Little River, a tannin-rich blackwater river. Usually under a partial canopy of small trees and tall shrubs; may occur with R. gracilenta. Plants grow at the water's edge, briefly but frequently inundated by heavy rainfalls. Dist: Sc. NC (Sorrie et al. 1997) through sc. GA to FL Panhandle, west to s. AL; very scattered in occurrence.

ID notes:This very rare species is related to R. filifolia, but is a coarser plant, readily distinguishable by characters of the achene, culm, and leaves (see key). Its riverside existence causes stems to lean outwards parallel to the ground and in the direction of water flow; they are usually 6-7 dm long, with 3-7 well-spaced spikelets. The seeds are narrowly elliptical, brown with a pale central area, and the bristles slightly longer than the beak.

Origin/Endemic status: Endemic

Taxonomy Comments: Anderson (1988) discusses its systematics, habitat, and rarity.

Synonymy: = FNA23, GW1, K1, K3, K4, WH3, Gale (1944), McMillan (2007); = n/a – RAB, S, S13

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Wetland Indicator Status:

• Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain: OBL

Heliophily: 7