Features: The Few-flowered Club-rush (Trichophorum planifolium) is a woodland sedge. Sedges resemble grasses, but have unjointed stems which are usually triangular in cross-section. This species is found on steep slopes of Red Oak forests. Plants flower early before the forest canopy leafs in. The flowers are not showy and the stamens and stigmas dangle outside the flower where they are wind-pollinated.

Status: Endangered Provincially and Nationally

Range: The species is found in the eastern United States and is relatively common in the Appalachians and the Atlantic Coastal Plain. It ranges from Virginia and Missouri north to New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio. In Ontario it grows at just two sites, at the Royal Botanical Gardens near Hamilton, and the Rouge Park in Toronto (although this species has not been seen there for eight years). Range Maps

Threats: Little is known about the historic distribution and abundance of this sedge in Ontario. It was only recently discovered here (1955). At present there are no serious threats to the populations. Soil erosion may be a threat.

Protection: Few-flowered Club-rush is listed in regulation under Ontario's Endangered Species Act, 2007, which protects the species and its habitat.

For more information on the Few-flowered Club-rush, view the fact sheet on the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Species at Risk Website.

Text Sources: Crins 1985

Last Modified Date: July 2010