Scirpus Fluviatilis Gray, p. 159

[31] 32 Scirpus fluviatilis Gray.

Syn. S. mauritimus, Torrey (not of Linn)

Leaves flat, broadly linear, tapering gradually to a point, the upper and those of the very long involucre very much exceeding the [culm] compound umbel; rays 5 to 9, elongated, recurved-spreading, bearing 1 to 5 ovate or oblong-cylindrical acute heads; achenium obovate, sharply and exactly triangular, conspicuously pointed, opaque, scarcely equalling the 6 rigid bristles; anthers elongated, with an awl-shaped, fringed appendix at the apex. Culms 3 or 4 feet high, very stout, sharply triangular. Flowers in July.

Wet marshes, about streams &c. At Milwaukee in Wisconsin; also in Illinois, Ohio and Michigan. Extends east to Western N. York.

The foliage of this species is eaten by cattle. It is said that the roots of the nearly allied D. maritimes have been ground in times of scarcity, and used instead of flour.

Plate I fig 10-a, the spike; b, a flower; c, anther; d achenium, e, section of the achenium. [f]