Wetland Plants and Plant Communities of Minnesota and Wisconsin

BOTTLEBRUSH SEDGE

(Carex comosa Boott)


Bottlebrush sedge
Perigynia and scale
Figure 18 - Perigynia and Scale

SEDGE FAMILY (Cyperaceae)

IND. STATUS: OBL

FIELD CHARACTERISTICS: A stout, clump-forming perennial with sharply triangular stems growing to a height of 0.5-1.5 m. Leaves are 6-15 mm. wide, M-shaped, septate and rough-margined. Pistillate spikelets number 3-6, are 3-7 cm. in length, and are on short stalks, the lower spikelets drooping. The perigynium is 5.5-7 mm. long, strongly ribbed, and has widely spreading, reflexed teeth (1)1.2-2.2 mm. long.

ECOLOGICAL NOTES: Bottlebrush sedge is found in shallow marshes, bogs and shores of lakes and streams.

SOURCE: Fernald (1970); Gleason and Cronquist (1991); and Voss (1972).


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