​Rusty Flatsedge, Fragrant Flatsedge,Cyperus odoratus,Sedge Family (Cyperaceae)

Found in disturbed, muddy places
Seen blooming in September at Abiquiu Lake

A walk around the peninsula at Abiquiu Lake has changed since the water level rose so high in the spring. In places there is now a broad green carpet of vegetation between the high-water mark and the current water level. Plants to be seen are Bracted Vervain, Cocklebur, Spotted Lady’s Thumb, Crownbeard, Ragweed, and two kinds of Flatsedge; all plants that like a moist environment and are not usually seen around Abiquiu Lake. I wonder what spring will bring. Rusty Flatsedge is a grass that can grow from 4 to 20 inches tall, these are about 8 inches. Grasses are wildflowers too but their flowers do not need to be showy to attract the birds and the bees because they are pollinated by the wind. Flatsedge stems are sharply three-sided. Its golden flower spikes turn rusty with age. As its name implies, the roots have a floral fragrance when crushed. Traditionally the seeds were eaten.
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If you are trying to identify a different flower then you can check what other flowers bloom this month. If you cannot identify a flower from the website, send a photo and where you took it to [email protected]. Read online for tips.