Kyllinga pumila Plant Identification (Flower, Leaf, Care, Uses)

Kyllinga pumila Michx. – Low Spikesedge

Kyllinga pumila plant

FamilyCyperaceae

Stems:

Kyllinga pumila baseBase.

Leaves:

Kyllinga pumila sheathLeaf sheath.

Inflorescence:

N/A

Flowers:

Kyllinga pumila flowers

Flowering – May – October.

Habitat – Swamps, streambanks, bogs, ditches, disturbed wet areas.

Origin – Native to North America, South America, Caribbean Islands, Africa.

Other information – This weedy little species can be found scattered throughout Alabama. The plant can be identified by its subglobose to cylindric heads of flowers and cespitose habit.
The genus name Kyllinga is given in honor of Danish botanist Peter Kylling.
The species epithet pumila derives from the Latin “pumil” meaning “a dwarf” referring to the small size of this species.

Alabama Distribution:

Kyllinga pumila map

Photographs taken off Lee Rd 54, Lee County, AL., 8-20-04.