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Slender Bulrush - Schoenoplectus heterochaetus
Other Names:
Scirpus heterochaetus
State Rank Reason (see State Rank above)
Information on the species is lacking within montana where it is recorded from only two poorly documented sites. However, its apparent rarity in the state warrants a high conservation status rank.
General Description
Stems terete, 50–200 cm, filled with spongy air cavities. Leaf blades reduced to scales. Inflorescence usually open with solitary spikelets on tips of spreading to erect peduncles. Spikelets 5–15 mm long. Scales 2.5–4 mm long, lacerate to ciliate, light brown with short, dark red, parallel lines; awn ca. 0.5 mm long. Flowers: bristles 4, ca. as long as achene; stigmas 3. Achene 3-sided, dark brown, 2–3 mm long (
Lesica et al. 2012. Manual of Montana Vascular Plants. BRIT Press. Fort Worth, TX).
Phenology
Fruiting in August.
Diagnostic Characteristics
The more common Scirpus acutus and S. validus are similar but have 2 stigmas and sessile spikelets arranged in small clusters. A land lens will be necessary for positive identification.
Species Range
Montana Range
Range Descriptions
Native
Range Comments
Phillips County. AB to QC south to CA, ID, WY, OK and NY (Lesica et al. 2012. Manual of Montana Vascular Plants. BRIT Press. Fort Worth, TX).
Observations in Montana Natural Heritage Program Database
Number of Observations: 5
(Click on the following maps and charts to see full sized version)
Map Help and Descriptions
Relative Density
Recency
(Observations spanning multiple months or years are excluded from time charts)
Habitat
Marshes and edges of lakes and ponds on the plains.
Ecological Systems Associated with this Species
Threats or Limiting Factors
STATE THREAT SCORE REASON
Threat impact not assigned because threats are not known (MTNHP Threat Assessment 2021).
References
- Literature Cited AboveLegend:
View Online Publication- Lesica, P., M.T. Lavin, and P.F. Stickney. 2012. Manual of Montana Vascular Plants. Fort Worth, TX: BRIT Press. viii + 771 p.
- Additional ReferencesLegend: View Online Publication
Do you know of a citation we're missing?- Fassett, N. C. 1985. (3rd ed.) A Manual of Aquatic Plants, with Revision Appendix by E. C. Ogden. University of Wisconsin Press, Madison. 405 pp.
- Heidel, B.L., S.V. Cooper and C. Jean. 2000. Plant species of special concern and plant associations of Sheridan County, Montana. Report to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Montana Natural Heritage Program, Helena, Montana. 96 p.
Lesica, P., M.T. Lavin, and P.F. Stickney. 2022. Manual of Montana Vascular Plants, Second Edition. Fort Worth, TX: BRIT Press. viii + 779 p.
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