FIELD ID CHARACTERISTICS:
Smooth, fine stems with no apparent leaves and single, small, cone-like seedheads help distinguish Eleocharis spp. from other grass-like plants. Identification to species generally requires examination of mature seeds and fruit capsules.
Synonym(s): Eleocharis ovata, Scirpus obtusus
Description: Clump-forming perennial, composed of thin, straight, erect stems emerging from the base, up to 30 cm.
Leaves: Leaves reduced to sheaths on stems; most of above-ground vegetation of the plant is fine, smooth stems.
Flowers/Fruit: Oval or egg-shaped seedhead born on a single spike with no leaves, leaflets, or petals. Seedhead has orange-brown overlapping scales like an immature pine cone, usually spirally arranged. Flower and fruit June to October.
Habit and Range: Edges of marshes, swamps, ditches, often in shallow water in sandy or peaty soil. Found statewide.
COMMON CONFUSIONS:
Xyris spp. (yellow-eyed grass) also have single cone-like seedheads at the ends of stems, but erect, flat, leaf blades grow with stems. Xyris spp. have yellow petals on the flowering heads and tend to be larger than Eleocharis spp.
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