Brown beak-sedge (Rhynchospora fusca, Hortus Kew. 1: 127 (1810))

Family: Cyperaceae

Author: (L.) W.T.Aiton

Bibliography: Hortus Kew. 1: 127 (1810)

Year: 1810

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Rhynchospora

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe, C. & E. Canada to NC. & E. U.S.A.

Description

Brown beak-sedge, scientifically known as Rhynchospora fusca, is a fascinating member of the Cyperaceae family. This plant first entered botanical records in 1810, as documented in Hortus Kewensis. The taxonomic authority for this species is given to (L.) W.T. Aiton, a prominent botanist of his time.

Brown beak-sedge displays a tenacious presence across various regions, flourishing in both Europe and an extensive part of North America. In North America, its range extends from central and eastern Canada down to North Carolina and other eastern parts of the United States.

This species is typically found in wetland habitats, where it contributes to the delicate ecological balance. The unique beaked shape of the seed heads is a distinguishing feature that makes it easily recognizable among other sedges. Brown beak-sedge plays an essential role in its ecosystem by providing food and shelter for various wildlife species and aiding in soil stabilization in marshy landscapes.

The adaptive capabilities and distinct characteristics of Brown beak-sedge underscore its significance both in botanical studies and environmental conservation efforts.

Common Names

Deu: braunes schnabelried, rotes schnabelried
Eng: brown beak-sedge, brown beaksedge, brown beakrush, sooty beakrush
Dan: brun næbfrø
Nld: bruine snavelbies
Lav: brunganais baltmeldrs
Pol: przygielka brunatna
Fra: rhynchoscope brun, rhynchospore brun, rhynchospora brun rougeâtre
Swe: brunag
Cym: corsfrwyn llosg, corsfrwynen losg
En: Brown beak-sedge, Brown beaksedge, Brown Beakrush, Sooty beakrush
Da: Brun næbfrø
Nl: Bruine snavelbies
Fr: Rhynchoscope brun, Rhynchospore brun, Rhynchospora brun rougeâtre, Rhynchospore brune, Rhynchospore fauve
De: Braunes Schnabelried, Rotes Schnabelried, Braune Schnabelsimse, Rotbraunes Schnabelried
It: Rincospora scura
Lv: Brunganais baltmeldrs
Pl: Przygielka brunatna
Sv: Brunag
Cy: Corsfrwyn Llosg, Corsfrwynen Losg

Synonyms

• Rhynchospora capillacea (Steud.)
• Phaeocephalum fuscum ((L.) House)
• Rhynchospora alba var. fusca ((L.) Vahl)

Distribution

• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Delaware (native)
• Denmark (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Italy (native)
• Maine (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Norway (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Poland (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken May 26, 2020 by Henk Van Lottum (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 2009 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken May 31, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 27, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Bernard THOMAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 23, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 23, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Aug 15, 2002 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Fruit

Taken Jul 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 11, 2007 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu MENAND (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 23, 2007 by Tela Botanica − David SAUTET (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1055567-2)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/8388555)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Rhynchospora fusca (L.) W.T.Aiton)

Specifications

Growth habit: Graminoid

Growth

Ph maximum: 4.5

Ph minimum: 4.0

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 8

Soil nutriments: 2