Scheuchzeria palustris L.

Species Nomenclature and Native Range

Scheuchzeria palustris L. is a herbaceous perennial plant native to cool temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, where it grows in wet Sphagnum peat bogs.

Stem Height and Leaf Arrangement

It reaches a height of 10–40 cm, with narrow linear leaves arranged alternately along the stem, each with a basal sheath.

Leaf Morphology

Leaves can grow up to 20 cm long, with blunt tips that bear a conspicuous pore.

Rhizome Characteristics

It has a creeping rhizome covered in papery, straw-colored remains of old leaf bases.

Flower Appearance

Its flowers are greenish-yellow, 4–6 mm in diameter, with six tepals.

Flower Structure and Flowering Period

Flowers have an inflated sheathing base, six stamens and three carpels, and flowering occurs from June to August.

Infraspecific Taxonomy and Distribution

Two subspecies are recognized, though not all botanical authorities treat them as distinct: Scheuchzeria palustris subsp. palustris, found in northern and eastern Europe and northern Asia, and Scheuchzeria palustris subsp. americana (Fernald) Hultén, found in northern North America.