Schoenus L.
Perianth bristles or scales absent
Leaves with very small laminas or reduced to sheaths
Inflorescence an interrupted panicle. Culms usually more than 1 mm wide
Spikelets brown, 9–12 mm long, numerous, on pedicels 1–2 mm long, 3–5-flowered. Nut smooth. Leaf sheaths bearded at the orifice. Culms up to 70 cm high, almost pungent at the tip. Widespread. Sandy soils. Damp places in heath and DSF Schoenus brevifolius
Spikelets black, 5–8 mm long, scarcely numerous, on filiform pedicels 3–5 mm long or longer. Nut tuberculate, 3-ribbed. Leaf sheaths ± bearded at the orifice. Culms up to 1 m high but usually less, not pungent at the tip. Widespread. Damp places, usually on creek banks Schoenus melanostachys