Cyperus articulatus L.

Distribution: Widespread

Habitat: Ditches

Florida status: Native

Recognition: Stems uniquely (for a sedge) hollow, septate, to 2 m tall; spikelets 5 cm long; bract appearing to be an extension of the culm making the spikelets appear to be lateral or the spikelets in an umbellate arrangement at the top of the culm; leaves with transverse septa.

Resembles at a glance Schoenoplectus or other Bulrushes (often lumped under Scirpus), but the Cyperus with septate culms and leaves and long fingery spikelets to 5 cm long (vs. much shorter)