Kyllinga maculata Michaux, Fl. Bor.-Amer. 1: 29. 1803; Cyperus neotropicalis Alain

Culms 5–30 cm × 0.5–1.5 mm. Leaves 3–11 cm × 1–2 mm. Inflorescences: spikes (1–)2–5, ovoid-ellipsoid, 2.5–10(–12) × 2–4.5 mm; bracts 2–3, spreading to slightly reflexed, 4–12(–14) cm × 1–2.5 mm. Spikelets: floral scales 3; 1st scale yellowish brown to light reddish brown, midvein green, obtrullate, 1.5–2 × 0.3–0.5 mm, apex acuminate; 2d scale oblong, 1–1.6 × 0.2–0.4 mm; 3d scale oblong, 1–1.5 × 0.2–0.4 mm; stamens 1; anther 0.5 mm; stigmas 3. Achenes obovoid to narrowly ellipsoid, roundly trigonous, 0.7–1 × 0.2–0.3 mm.

Fruiting summer–early fall. Ditches, swales, emergent shorelines; 0–200 m; Ala., D.C., Fla., Ga., Ill., N.C., S.C., Va.