Rhynchospora globularis
Globe beaksedge
(c) Nathan Aaron, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Cyperaceae · Type: Grass · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.1
Rhynchospora globularis (Globe beaksedge) is a native California grass in the Cyperaceae family, recognized by . Key features: spherical spikelets, very small size, fruit base not stalk-like.
Globe beaksedge is a rare (CNPS 2B.1) California native perennial found in southern North Coast Ranges in Sonoma County marshes at elevations around 50 meters. Flowering from July to August, this plant produces dark brown spikelets in compact spherical to ovate clusters approximately 2 millimeters long. Growing with thin stems 3 millimeters in diameter, it has sharp triangular angles that are minutely rough to the touch. Its narrow leaves measure 1 to 3 millimeters wide with scabrous margins and midribs. The tiny fruit is 1.5 to 1.8 millimeters long with a wrinkled surface and a small tubercle base.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 2 sympatric species. Key features: spherical spikelets, very small size, fruit base not stalk-like
Habitat and range
Habitat: Marshes
Elevation: +- 50 m.
California counties: Sonoma
Outside California: eastern North America, Central America, West Indies
Bloom period
Rhynchospora globularis blooms Jul-Aug.
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.1
How to tell it apart
vs Fimbristylis: Rhynchospora seeds have prominent beaks on top, Fimbristylis seeds lack beaks.; vs Bulbostylis: Rhynchospora has multiple flower clusters along stem, Bulbostylis has single terminal cluster.; vs Bolboschoenus: Rhynchospora is delicate with stems under 2mm, Bolboschoenus is robust with thick three-angled stems.; vs Scirpus: Rhynchospora has few flowers per spikelet and beaked seeds, Scirpus has many flowers and unbeaked seeds.; vs Calliscirpus: Rhynchospora has small separate clusters, Calliscirpus has one tight congested ball.
Frequently asked questions
Is Rhynchospora globularis native to California?
Yes. Rhynchospora globularis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Rhynchospora globularis bloom?
Rhynchospora globularis blooms Jul-Aug.
Where in California does Rhynchospora globularis grow?
Rhynchospora globularis occurs in Sonoma, at elevations of +- 50 m..
What plant family does Rhynchospora globularis belong to?
Rhynchospora globularis is in the Cyperaceae family, genus Rhynchospora.
Is Rhynchospora globularis rare or endangered?
Rhynchospora globularis carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.1, state rank S1.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Rhynchospora sp. — Beaked-rush
- Rhynchospora alba — White beaked-rush
- Rhynchospora californica — California beaked-rush
- Rhynchospora capitellata — Brownish beaked-rush
- Schoenoplectiella saximontana — Rocky Mountain bulrush
- Schoenoplectus acutus var. occidentalis — Common tule
- Schoenoplectus americanus — Olney's three-square bulrush
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.