Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Cyperus acuminatus is a common species of sedge known by several common names, including tapertip flatsedge and pale umbrella-sedge. This plant is native to North America, where is widespread across the Great Plains and the western United States, with scattered populations in the eastern US as well as in Saskatchewan, Tamaulipas and Coahuila. Cyperus acuminatus is found in wet areas from large rivers to roadside ditches. This is an annual plant with a paper-thin stem approaching 40 centimeters in height at maximum. It may have a few thin leaves near the base. Its spherical inflorescence is one to two centimeters wide and contains several spikelets each a few millimeters long. Each spikelet has a flat layer of flowers which yield oval-shaped achene fruits, each about one millimeter long.

Plant type

Grass

Size

1 ft Tall

Form

Upright

Growth rate

Fast

Calscape icon
Color

Green

Flowering season

Spring

Water

High

Soil description

Prefers loamy or clay soils. Grows poorly in sandy soils.

Plant communities

Wetland-Riparian

Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

0 confirmed and 2 likely

Confirmed Likely

Javelin Moth

Bactra verutana

Dun Skipper

Euphyes vestris