Schoenoplectus paludicola (Kunth) Palla

Perennial herb, tufted, 0.35-0.91 m high. Leaf blades absent. Culms scapose, ± terete, 2-3 mm in diam. Inflorescence pseudolateral, head-like, of many spikelets, or an anthela of 1-5 unequally stalked clusters of spikelets. Subtending bract erect, continuing line of culm, longer than inflorescence. Spikelets ovate, 4-6 x 2-3 mm, many-flowered. Glumes keel excurrent into 0.5 mm long awn. Style branches 3. Perianth of 5 or 6 retrorsely scabrid bristles. Flowering time Oct.-Mar. Nutlet broadly obovate, excluding beak 1.2-1.7 x 0.8-1.3 mm, 3-angled, shining black, surface smooth to very faintly rugulose.