Flora of New Zealand Series

Light green tufts to 1 m high. Leaves > stems, usually ± 5 mm wide, prominently septate-nodulose at base and on the grey, often red-tinged sheaths. Female spikes 2-4, close-set, sessile, 3-6 × ± 1cm, greenish. Glumes much < long-beaked glabrous utricles. Stigmas 3.

N. Common; not known from Gisborne. S. Common; not known from Fiordland. Lowland swamps.

A drainage weed, especially in parts of Canterbury; established along drains and water races, often associated with Epilobium ciliatum, Juncus spp., Mentha spicata, Myosotis caespitosa, and Nasturtium microphyllum.