Eleocharis

Note: Fimbristylis schoenoides resembles an Eleocharis. In the Fimbristylis the head is light tan and the style is broad and fimbriate.

1. Scales multiveined:..2

1. Scales with one vein...4

2. Stems fully septate (walls completely cross the hollow stem---uniquely so in our area); achene bristles barbed...E. interstincta

2. Stems not septate or partly septate (walls present but not crossing the hollow stem completely); spike not thicker than culm; achene bristles smooth (in E. cellulosa)...3

3. The culm and spikelet 3-5 mm in diameter. Brackish or freshwater places...E. cellulosa

3. Spike and culm 1-2 mm in diameter (see also E. cellulosa) (scales with a nearly black marginal band)...E. elongata

4. Bracts 2-ranked...E. baldwinii (Sometimes the scales not 2-ranked, but then this species often stands < 10 cm tall with spikes < 5 mm long, having bristles twice as long as the achene vs. about the length of the achene)

4. Bracts spiral...5

5. Achene flat...6

5. Achene triangular...7

6. Rhizomatous; achene dark brown; tubercle longer than wide...E. flavescens

6. Not rhizomatous; achene black; tubercle broader than tall...E. geniculata

7. Achene .5-.6 mm long, bristles absent at maturity...E. nigrescens

7. Achene .8-1.0 mm long, bristles persistent...E. albida