FIELD ID CHARACTERISTICS:
With this densely clumping grass, look for loose branching clusters of small seeds at tips of flattened stems.
Synonym(s): Fimbristylis geminata, Scirpus autumnalis
Description: Small clumping annual, with stems holding loose clusters of seeds extending out beyond the leaves; 15 to 20 cm tall.
Leaves: Blade leaves relatively short, with much longer flowering stems emerging beyond blades. Flowering stems are flattened.
Flowers/Fruit: Seedheads, without bristles, very small and cone-shaped, on numerous airy branching panicles. Seeds are three-sided. Flowering and fruiting June to October.
Habit and Range: Found statewide in moist to wet soil of any type; meadows, ditches, damp or wet disturbed areas, freshwater shorelines.
COMMON CONFUSIONS:
Both Fimbristylis castanea (marsh fimbry) (which is much larger) and Fimbristylis autumnalis (slender fimbry) (which is much smaller) are relatively common within their range. Other Fimbristylis species occurring in North Carolina are uncommon to very rare. Some are not native.
Click here to view Fimbristylis castanea.
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