Genus Rhynchospora Vahl, Beakrush
The term Rhynchospora means "beaked seed" after the long pointed beak found on the end of the achene (Figure 1). There are four species of Rhynchospora found in Renfrew County wetlands. These four species are fairly easy to recognize. One of these, Rhynchospora alba (with unique white scales), is quite common while Rhynchospora capitellata and Rhynchospora fusca are more sparse. Rhynchospora capillacea is rare in Renfrew County. The figures below compare these four species in detail.
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Figure 1. Comparison of the achenes and scales for the Rhynchospora species. All to same scale.
Figure 2. Comparison of inflorescences for the Rhynchospora species. All to same scale.