Scirpus Cespitosus Linnaeus, p. 152

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Status: Complete

[symbol] 1. Bristly rigid, mostly barbed downwards.

25 Scirpus caespitosus, Linnaeus.

Syn Eleocharis caespitosa, Nees.

Culms caespitose, filiform, terete, with numerous
sheaths at the base furnished with rudimentary leaves;
the upper one prolonged, awl-shaped; spike ovoid,
3 to 8 flowered, rusty colored, the two lowest scales
bract-like, as long as the spike; bristles six, smooth,
capillary, longer than the achenium; style 3-cleft;
achenium smooth, obtusely triangular, abruptly short-
pointed. Culms 3 to 12 inches high. Flowers in July.

Wet places, on high mountains &c --
About Lake Superior.

Loudon says (Encyclopedia of Plants p. 49) that
this plant is the principal food of cattle and sheep
in the Highlands of Scotland in March, April, and May. Whether it occurs around Lake Superior
in sufficient quantities to be of value for
this purpose is not known.

Specimens gathered on the White Mountains
in New England are much taller, more slender, and the
spikes smaller and of a lighter color than those
received from Europe.

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