Family – Cyperaceae
Stems:
Plant base.
Leaves:
Arrow shows ligule.
Inflorescence:
Bract of inflorescence.
Flowers:
Mature spikelet.
Flowering – July – November.
Habitat – Meadows, ditches, low waste places, bogs, swamps, disturbed sites.
Origin – Native to North America.
Other information – This species can be found throughout Alabama. The plant can be identified by its habitat, flat (culms)stems, small, cylindric spikelets, and trigonous nutlets.
The genus name Fimbristylis derives from the Latin “fimbri” meaning “a fringe, fibers” and the Greek “styl(us)” meaning “a pillar, column, styles” referring to the styles of the official species.
The species epithet autumnalis derives from the Latin “autumn” meaning “fall, autumn” referring to the flowering time of the plant.
Alabama Distribution:
Photographs taken off Lee Rd 27, Auburn, AL., 9-7-05.