Dulichium arundinaceum · Native perennial sedge · Cyperaceae
Look down on a leafy stem and the name makes sense: the leaves point in three directions, forming a distinctive repeating pattern.
Other name: Three-way Sedge
Family: Cyperaceae — sedges
Growth: Rhizomatous perennial
Typical height: About ¾–3¼ feet
Flowers and fruit: Summer into fall; timing varies by region
Habitat: Wetland margins, swamps, peatlands and shallow water
Status: Native to North America
Three ranks of leaves: narrow, pointed blades are arranged in three vertical rows along an upright, unbranched stem. A top-down view is especially revealing.
Flowers along the upper stem: slender, flattened spikelets occur in clusters arising where upper leaves meet the stem. Look for their orderly, two-sided arrangement.
A useful exception: Threeway Sedge has rounded, hollow stems. The saying “sedges have edges” is a starting clue, not a rule for every sedge.
Eight selected views show leaf arrangement, whole shoots and flowering details. Select a photograph to enlarge it.
Four additional views show different angles and surrounding wetland vegetation.
Threeway Sedge grows in saturated ground and shallow water, spreading by underground rhizomes to form colonies. Look along pond and stream edges, in swamps and in peaty wetlands.
Its seeds feed waterfowl and small birds, and some mammals graze the plant. Submerged vegetation also provides surfaces and shelter for aquatic invertebrates.
This native sedge occurs across much of North America. It is a wetland plant rather than a characteristic dry-prairie species.
Observation maps show reported sightings, not complete native-range boundaries. Photograph locations are left unspecified unless documented.
Photographs: Brian / Where’s Wildlife. Sources: West Virginia wetland plant guide, Texas A&M AgriLife AquaPlant and National Wetland Plant List.