Smooth saw-grass (Cladium mariscoides, Ann. Lyceum Nat. Hist. New York 3: 372 (1836))

Family: Cyperaceae

Author: (Muhl.) Torr.

Bibliography: Ann. Lyceum Nat. Hist. New York 3: 372 (1836)

Year: 1836

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Cladium

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: S. & E. Canada to EC. & E. U.S.A.

Description

Smooth saw-grass, scientifically known as Cladium mariscoides, is a prominent member of the Cyperaceae family. Originally described in the “Annals of the Lyceum of Natural History of New York” in 1836 by (Muhl.) Torr., this perennial sedge is notable for its distribution across southeastern and eastern Canada as well as the east-central and eastern regions of the United States.

The smooth saw-grass thrives in moist habitats, typically flourishing in wetlands, marshes, and along the edges of ponds and streams. It is distinguished by its slender, grass-like stalks which can reach impressive heights, making it a substantial presence in the landscape it inhabits. The leaves of Cladium mariscoides are characteristically long, narrow, and serrated along the edges, a feature that reflects its common name and adds to its unique texture and appearance within its setting.

Cladium mariscoides plays a crucial ecological role in providing habitat and food for various species of wildlife. Its dense growth form offers shelter for small animals and birds, and its seeds are a food source for waterfowl and other creatures. The plant’s extensive root system also serves to stabilize soil and prevent erosion, especially in wetland environments where such ecosystem services are critical.

Botanists and naturalists admire the smooth saw-grass for its resilience and adaptability to different wetland conditions. For those interested in native plant gardening or restoration ecology, Cladium mariscoides is a valuable species for reestablishing natural habitats due to its hardiness and ecological benefits.

Understanding the significance of Cladium mariscoides extends beyond its botanical charm to recognizing its integral part in maintaining the health and balance of wetland ecosystems across its range in North America.

Common Names

Eng: smooth saw-grass, smooth sawgrass, smooth saw-sedge, smooth twig-rush, twig-rush, twigrush, water bog-rush
Fra: marisque inerme, cladium faux-mariscus
En: Smooth saw-grass, Smooth sawgrass, Twigrush, Smooth saw-sedge, Smooth twig-rush, Twig-rush, Water bog-rush
Fi: Pikkutaarna
Fr: Cladium faux-mariscus, Marisque inerme

Synonyms

• Cladium mariscoides f. congestum (Fernald)
• Mariscus mariscoides ((Muhl.) Kuntze)
• Schoenus mariscoides (Muhl.)
• Mariscus mariscoides f. congestus ((Fernald) Fernald)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• Florida (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Wisconsin (native)

Additional Images

Bark

Taken Dec 10, 2015 by EOL − Derek (cc-by-nc)

Flower

Taken Aug 6, 2015 by EOL − bendingtree (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 10, 2015 by EOL − bendingtree (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2709503)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:303487-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cladium mariscoides (Muhl.) Torr.)

Specifications

Growth