Threeway sedge (Dulichium arundinaceum, Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 21: 29 (1894))

Family: Cyperaceae

Author: (L.) Britton

Bibliography: Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 21: 29 (1894)

Year: 1894

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Dulichium

Vegetable: False

Observations: Canada to U.S.A.

Description

Threeway sedge, scientifically known as Dulichium arundinaceum, is an intriguing plant belonging to the Cyperaceae family. Native to North America, this resilient species has a geographical range spanning from Canada down to the United States, thriving in various wetland habitats across these regions.

The plant was first described in the Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club in 1894, reflecting its longstanding recognition within the botanical community. Dulichium arundinaceum is particularly notable for its distinctive growth pattern and morphology. Often characterized by its erect, grass-like stems, this aquatic sedge has a unique three-ranked leaf arrangement, which is notably uncommon amongst wetland plants. This feature lends the species its common name, “Threeway sedge,” and gives it a distinct appearance that stands out in its natural habitat.

Dulichium arundinaceum typically flourishes in marshes, swamps, and along the edges of lakes and streams. It plays a crucial ecological role in these environments, contributing to the stabilization of soil and the prevention of erosion. Additionally, Threeway sedge provides important habitat and food resources for a variety of wildlife, ranging from insects to waterfowl.

Ecologists and botanists have observed this plant extensively, noting its adaptability and the significant role it plays in wetland ecosystems. Its resilience in diverse climatic conditions from the colder regions of Canada to the temperate zones of the United States underscores its ecological versatility.

In summary, Dunluchium arundinaceum, or Threeway sedge, is an essential component of North American wetlands, renowned for its unique leaf arrangement and ecological importance. Described over a century ago, it remains a subject of interest and study within botanical circles, underscoring the enduring nature of this fascinating species.

Common Names

Eng: threeway sedge, three-way sedge
Dan: vifteaks
Swe: bambuag
Fra: duliche roseau, dulichium roseau
En: Threeway sedge, Three-Way Sedge, Three way sedge
Da: Vifteaks
Fr: Duliche roseau, Dulichium roseau
Sv: Bambuag
: Three-way sedge

Synonyms

• Cyperus arundinaceus (L.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• California (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• Washington (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken May 9, 2022 by Chantal Bouillet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 13, 2021 by annette fiche (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 6, 2013 by EOL − Robert L Curtis (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 1, 2014 by EOL − Daniel Carter (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 21, 2015 by EOL − cstandri (cc-by-nc)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute. (public)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Fruit

Taken Feb 4, 2015 by EOL − Christopher Tracey (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Flower

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5292775)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:85782-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Dulichium arundinaceum (L.) Britton)

Specifications

Growth form>: Rhizomatous

Growth habit>: Graminoid

Growth rate>: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 4.7