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in common spike-rush, at the tip of the culm is a single spike, elongate-ovoid with a sharply pointed tip, up to about 1" long; 30-100 florets ( each with three stamens bearing dark yellow anthers and a split style) are spirally arranged around the spikelet, each protected by a pointed scale 3-5 mm long. The scales have a green to straw-colored midrib, reddish- or orange-brown flanks, and a translucent edge. The two lowest scales in the spike lack flowers. The lowest scale wraps less than 3/4 of the base; it is mostly green bordered by a brown band and a translucent, rounded edge and is more leathery than other scales.

Eleocharis

Eleocharis palustris

common spike-rush [Blooms: May-Jul]