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Florida 4-H Forest Ecology

Florida 4-H Forest Ecology

Saw-grass: Identifying Characteristics

Habitat:
Saw-grass is usually found along the edges of brackish wetlands but is occasionally seen near freshwater lakes.

Size/Form:
Saw-grass is a tall, coarse-leafed, perennial sedge that grows to heights of 9'.

Leaves:
The leaves are long, thin, flat blades with sharp, toothed serrations along the margins and on the underside of the midvein. The leaf blades are stiff and fold inward along the midvein. Leaves are greenish-brown in color and have loose, over-lapping sheaths.

Flowers:
Saw-grass flowers are found on tall, rusty-brown spikes (stems) that are up to 3' long and tower above the leaves.

Fruit:
The fruit is a tiny nutlet found at the ends of the 'branches' of the flower spikes.


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