California Sedges and Rushes

You’ve probably heard “sedges have edges and rushes are round…” Let’s take it to the next level. Use this chart to identify sedges and rushes to the genus level using characteristics you can see in the field.

This is a summary. Find deeper descriptions and illustrations at California Sedges and California Rushes.

	Sedge *Carex*	Sedge *Cyperus*	Sedge *Eleocharis*	Sedge *Schoenoplectus*	Rush *Juncus* and Luzula
Stem cross section	Generally triangular.	Triangular or round.	Round.	Triangular or round, often ribbed.	Round.
Leaves	Sheath and blade with midrib.	Sheath and linear blade or no blade.	Sheath but no blade.	Basal leaves plus maybe one on the stem, with blades.	Blades can be flat or cylindrical. Flat with long hairs is genus Luzula.
Inflorescence	Separate male and female flowers in clusters, sometimes sharing the same spike.	Umbel of flat, bract-covered flowers.	Single spikelet at the top of the stem. Flowers in a spiral pattern.	Spikelets with or without stalks.	Clusters at the top (or side) of the stem, with or without stalks.
Inflorescence Bracts	Leafy, minor.	Long, stiff, leafy, sideways, like umbrella spokes.	None	Looks like an extension of the stem.	When present, looks like an extension of the stem.
Flowers	Female in perigynium sac. Male stamens with no petals, like a catkin.	Bisexual flowers develop in a 2-ranked spikelet.	Bisexual flowers develop behind scales.	Bisexual flowers develop behind scales.	6-parted flowers (tepals)
Comments	The perigynium structure is unique to Carex.	By far the most common CA sedge.	Achene has a hat on top, called a tubercle.	Includes CA Bulrush and Tule.	Often in marshes but can also compete in dry, poor soil.

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Corrections/Comments: bruce@PlantID.net