Cyperus compressus L.

Distribution: Worldwide in warm areas

Habitat: Disturbed, weedy

Florida status: Native

Recognition: Styles 3; achenes triangular. Heads with (1)3-12(16) very flat spikelets. Often with compound umbels. Achene 1.2-1.4 mm long, black, sometimes showing through the scales. (Differs from C. elegans by having the leaves not viscid (sticky))

Key to Similar Species

1. Plants rhizomatous; spikelets per cluster (1)2-4(6) …C. lecontei

1. Plants cespitose; spikelets per cluster usually 3-20…2

2. Sheath septate, viscous; achene > 1.4 mm long; spikelets per cluster 3-20(30)…C. elegans

2. Sheath not septate, not viscous; achene 1.2-1.4 mm long; spikelets per cluster (1)3-12(16)…C. compressus

Note: The dark spots are not on the scales; the spots are the near-black achenes showing through the translucent scales.