Distribution:  Widespread

Habitat:  Ditches

Recognition:  Stems uniquely (for a sedge) hollow, septate, to 2 m tall;  spikelets 5 cm long; bract appearing the be an extension of the culm making the spikelets appear to be lateral or the spikelets in an umbellate arrangement at the top of the culm;  leaves with transverse septa.

Resembles at a glance Schoenoplectus or other Bulrushes (often lumped under Scirpus), but the Cyperus with septate culms and leaves and long fingery spikelets to 5 cm long (vs. much shorter)

Florida status:  Native