Freshwater Wetlands/ Woolgrass

COMMON NAME: Woolgrass

OTHER COMMON NAME(S):

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Scirpus cyperinus

FAMILY: Cyperaceae

COMMUNITY: Freshwater Wetlands

STATUS: Native

LIFESPAN: Perennial

HEIGHT: to 4 feet

FLOWERING TIME: June to September

FRUITING TIME: June to September

DISTRIBUTION: Nova Scotia to Maryland and west to Iowa ~ Statewide in New Jersey

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Grasslike plant growing in clumps ~ Stems slightly triangular almost round, weaker at base ~ Leaves rough margin, linear ~ Spikelets ¼ inch long on second branches, oblong, mostly in threes or fives, very wooly

GENERAL INFORMATION: The rush family, Cyperaceae, includes eight genera and approximately three hundred species of grass-like plants.  In ancient times rushes were used to make roofs, writing instruments, bedding, caulking for ships and some were used to make arrows.  A more poetic use was for musical pipes.  In the Middle Ages rushes were used to cover cold stone floors and were swept away when dirty. The genus Scirpus is the Latin name of bulrush and the species cyperinus means “like Cyprus”. The presence of rushes indicates damp soil or low meadows. The following rhythm may help distinguish rushes from the similar appearing sedges and grasses: Sedges have edges, Rushes are round, Grasses have joints from the tips to the ground. The stems of rushes are round, like a knitting needle.

Please note: While harvesting wild berries/fruit is permitted at Island Beach State Park, visitors must adhere to park regulations at all times and must not damage vegetation or go off designated trails.  This information is presented for educational purposes.