National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service:  U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
Acadia National ParkBirch Trees
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
Acadia National Park
Grasses
Nature and Science

C.W. Greene

Reed Canary Grass

About a quarter of the plants that one encounters at Acadia National Park appear "grass-like." The amateur would probably call all of these grasses, but in fact some are sedges and some are rushes. Here is a little rhyme to help tell the three apart: "sedges have edges, rushes are round, and grasses have joints." Sedges usually have a triangular stem, rushes have round stems, and grasses have a jointed stem. Sedges, grasses, and rushes often inhabit wet areas. All of them have flowers; they just aren't showy. Take a closer look and you will be amazed at the diversity of these wind-pollinated wildflowers!
Image of the Guide's Guide cover  

Did You Know?
The Guide's Guide to Acadia National Park, originally created to share important information about the park's facilities and natural and cultural resources with commercial guides, is available to the public on this website. The guide contains everything you would want to know about the park.
more...

Last Updated: December 27, 2007 at 16:37 EST