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For information on Wisconsin's rare plants, contact:
Kevin Doyle
608-416-3377

Low Nutrush (Scleria verticillata)

Life history

Species overview

Low Nutrush (Scleria verticillata), a Wisconsin Special Concern plant, is found in calcareous fens. Blooming occurs late June through late July; fruiting occurs early July through early September. The optimal identification period for this species is early July through early September.

Synonyms: Hypoporum verticillatum, Scleria diffusa, S. tenuiflora, S. verticillata f. brevis, S. verticillata f. capillaris

Identification

  • Distinguishing characteristics: Hypogynium flat, very low, unlobed.
  • Flower characteristics: Inflorescence of 2 to 8 short, capitate cymes each 2 to 4 mm, sessile, subtended by inconspicuous bracts 4 to 7 mm, forming an erect interrupted spike; anthers 1mm.
  • Fruit characteristics: Achene white, subglobose, 1 mm thick, conspicuously apiculate, verrucose or transversely ridged. Constricted below to a short smooth hypogynium.
  • Leaf characteristics: Main blades 1 mm wide, often tufted. Sheaths usually long-villous.

Phenology

  • Blooming phenology: late June through late July
  • Fruiting phenology: early July through early September
  • Optimum time to identify: The optimal identification period for this species is early July through early September

Other

  • Growth form: Graminoid
  • Vegetative reproduction:
  • Life cycle: Annual
  • Comments: Associated Species: Thelypteris palustris, Lobelia kalmii, Muhlenbergia glomerata, Potentilla fruticosa, Rhynchospora capillacea, R. alba, Carex interior, Oxypolis rigidior, Cirsium muticum, Parnassia glauca, Juncus brachycephalus.

State status

Status and Natural Heritage Inventory documented occurrences in Wisconsin

The table below provides information about the protected status - state and federal - and the rank (S and G Ranks) for Low Nutrush (Scleria verticillata). See the Working List Key for more information about abbreviations. Counties shaded blue have documented occurrences for this species in the Wisconsin Natural Heritage Inventory database. The map is provided as a general reference of where this species has been found to date and is not meant as a range map.

Documented locations of Scleria verticillata in the Natural Heritage Inventory Database as of July 2015.


Summary Information
State StatusSC
Federal Status in Wisconsinnone
State RankS2
Global RankG5
Tracked by NHIY

Habitats and landscapes

The Natural Heritage Inventory has developed scores indicating the degree to which each of Wisconsin's rare plant species is associated with a particular natural community or ecological landscape. This information is similar to that found in the Wildlife Action Plan for animals. As this is a work in progress, we welcome your suggestions and feedback.

General habitat information

  • Habitat description: Found in calcareous fens.
  • Soils: Wet, sandy, calcareous soils.

Natural communities

This table lists the natural communities that are associated with Low Nutrush. Scores for natural community associations are: "significant" association (score=3), "moderate association" (score=2) or the species can be present but is only weakly associated with the community (score=1).

Natural communities score
Calcareous Fen 3

Ecological landscapes

This table lists the ecological landscape association scores for Low Nutrush. The scores (3=High, 2=Moderate, 1=Low, 0=None) also correspond to the map.

Map of the Ecological Landscapes of Wisconsin.

Species guidance

The Endangered Resources Program has developed avoidance measures and management guidelines for plants on the Natural Heritage Working List. These are a work in progress, and we welcome your suggestions and feedback. Sources used in developing this information can be found here.

Avoidance measures

These are specific actions designed to avoid "take" (mortality) of this species.

  • Avoid known individual plant locations and conduct operations elsewhere when they are least likely to cause damage. Ideally, this would involve frozen, snow-covered ground. However, in areas of the state where frozen conditions are unreliable, very dry soils late in the growing season might be the best available alternative. Consult with a biologist, if needed.
  • Avoid broadcast spraying of herbicides; use care with spot spraying.

Management guidance

Management guidelines are additional considerations that may help maintain or enhance habitat for this species

  • Maintain and restore open habitat through selective clearing and brushing.
  • Prescribed burns and/or brushing may be beneficial (dependent on local site conditions).
  • Survey for and control invasive plants prior to conducting timber operations, as these can be spread by vehicles and often respond vigorously to increased light; see forestry BMPs for invasive species.
  • Minimize disturbance to hydrology, including soil disturbance from rutting.

Photos


Low Nutrush Photo.

Photo by Kevin Doyle, Wisconsin DNR.

Low Nutrush Photo.

Photo by Kevin Doyle, Wisconsin DNR.

Low Nutrush Photo.

Scleria verticillata

Photo © Suzan Campbell.


Support for Wisconsin's rare plant information has been provided by the Division of Forestry, the Endangered Resources Fund and the Wisconsin Rare Plant Preservation Fund. To donate, visit the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin [exit DNR].

Last revised: Wednesday, May 05, 2021
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