kids encyclopedia robot

Tall flatsedge facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Tall flatsedge
Cyperus eragrostis goldengatepark.jpg
Scientific classification
Genus:
Cyperus
Species:
eragrostis
Synonyms

Cyperus vegetus

Cyperus eragrostis
Flowers of the tall flatsedge
Cyperus eragrostis MHNT.BOT.2007.40.47
A seedhead specimen from the MHNT museum.

Cyperus eragrostis, also known as tall flatsedge, is a type of plant called a sedge. It has many other common names like nutgrass or umbrella sedge. Sedges are grass-like plants that often grow in wet places. This plant is known for its tall stems and interesting flowers.

Where Tall Flatsedge Grows

This plant naturally grows in several parts of the world. You can find it along the West Coast of North America, from California up to Washington. It also grows in the Southeastern United States, Jamaica, and across South America.

Tall flatsedge has spread to many other places too. It now grows in parts of the northeastern and southeastern U.S., Europe, South Africa, and on many islands. These islands include the Azores, Canary Islands, and Easter Island. Sometimes, when it grows in new places, it can become a weed. For example, it has been known to grow too much in rice fields.

You can usually find this plant in wet areas. It likes places near rivers, ditches along roads, and damp grasslands.

What Tall Flatsedge Looks Like

Tall flatsedge is a perennial plant. This means it lives for more than two years. It grows from special underground stems called rhizomes. These rhizomes help the plant spread.

The plant has tall, straight green stems. They can grow to be about 10 to 90 centimeters (4 to 35 inches) tall. Long, thin, pointed leaves grow from the top of the stem. They spread out like the ribs of an umbrella.

Its flowers are grouped together in tough, round shapes. These flower clusters are usually greenish-yellow or beige. They are called spikelets. The plant produces its fruits during the summer months.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Cyperus eragrostis para niños

kids search engine
Tall flatsedge Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.