Flat-stemmed Spikerush (Eleocharis compressa)
- Family: Sedge (Cyperaceae)
- Flowering: May-July.
- Field Marks: The stems, which are flattened just beneath the spikelets, distinguish this species.
- Habitat: Wet prairies, roadside ditches.
- Habit: Perennial herb with stout rootstocks.
- Stems: Erect, flattened at least just below the spikelet, smooth, up to 2 feet tall.
- Leaves: 0.
- Flowers: Crowded into a solitary, terminal spikelet; the spikelet ovoid to oblongoid, pointed at the tip, up to 1/2 inch long.
- Scales: Oblong to narrowly ovate.
- Sepals: 0.
- Petals: 0.
- Stamens: 3.
- Pistils: Style 3-cleft; ovary superior.
- Fruits: Achenes obovoid, 3-angled, pale yellow-brown, slightly warty, with a short, flat, pointed tubercle, subtended by 1-5 slender bristles.
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