Plants annual or rarely perennial, cespitose; rhizomes inconspicuous, very short, firm [perennials, rhizomes long]. Culms 0.5–3 mm diam. Leaves all basal. Inflorescences capitate or of 1 spikelet [sometimes branched]. Spikelets: scales each with 3–11 distinct parallel ribs in proximal part of spikelet, apex entire, mostly mucronate. Flowers: perianth present or absent, segments bristlelike, spinulose; amphicarpic flowers absent. Achenes plane or biconvex, sometimes trigonous, rugulose, without prominent, transverse, wavy ridges.

Distribution

Worldwide, mostly in eastern Asia, the Pacific Islands, and e North America.

Discussion

Species ca. 23 (3 in the flora).

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

Schoenoplectus mucronatus, Schoenoplectus purshianus, Schoenoplectus smithii