Cyperus sanguinolentus, commonly known as purple-glume flat sedge, is an erect perennial sedge that varies widely in size, typically growing from 2 to 31 inches tall. It is native to a variety of wetland habitats including marshes, wet grasslands, and the edges of water bodies in many parts of Africa, India, Asia, and Australasia. The species epithet ’sanguinolentus’ refers to the blood-red color of the seed, which is a distinguishing feature of this plant. The sedge forms dense clumps and has triangular stems with leaves arranged in ranks. The inflorescences are compound umbels with spikelets that have a reddish-purple glume, hence the common name.

Purple-glume flat sedge is valued for its ability to thrive in wet conditions and is often used in water gardens, rain gardens, and as a soil stabilizer along pond edges or in riparian plantings. It prefers full sun to part shade and requires consistently moist to wet soil. While it is not known for showy flowers, it can provide interesting texture and color contrast in the right settings. However, due to its potential invasiveness, it should be planted with caution and monitored to prevent unwanted spread. Gardeners should be aware that it can become a problem if it escapes cultivation and establishes in natural wetland areas.CC BY-SA 4.0