Etymology: Schoenoplectus: Greek a 'rush leek' ' plecto for "plaited, twisted" schoenos for "rush or reed"
Plants: erect, perennial, 3-10' tall, semi-aquatic, emergent sedge; stems sturdy, firm, olive colored, cylindrical, filled with many small chambers; shallow rhizomes
Leaves: mostly sheaths or short blades at stem base
Flowers: inflorescence oval, stalked spikelets at side of floral bract at top of stem, spikelets in spirals are gray-brown with red flecks, fringed edge
Fruits: nutlets from under scales
Habitat: wet; marshes, in water usually less than 40" deep; in firm substrate soil
Conservation Status: Native

Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 6, Wetland Indicator = OBL USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos USGS - Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center: Wetland Plants and Plant Communities of Minnesota and Wisconsin