Scirpus Pungens Vahl, p. 155

[27] 28 Scirpus Pungens Vahl.

Syn. S. triqueter Michx. (Not of Linn); S. Americanus Persoon.

Culm sharply three-angled; spikes 1 to 6 capitate, ovoid, sessile; scales ovate, ciliate, 2-cleft and awl-pointed; anthers tipped with an awl-shaped, minutely fringed appendage; style 2-cleft; bristles shorter than the obovate plano-convex achenium. Culms 1 to 4 feet high. Flowers in July.

Borders of rivers and small lakes. Found in Wisconsin, and also in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan. Extends eastward to N. England, and south to Florida.

Used for bottoming chains, known as "rush bottoms".-

Plate V A plant of the natural size
Fig 1 The scale
2 a stamen
3 bristle
4 a flower
5 achenium
6 Section of the achenium