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Acadia National Park Birch Trees
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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!

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A Passamaquoddy birchbark basket with the image of a moose on it

Did You Know?
The Passamaquoddy Kit is an educational tool for teachers to help teach students about Passamaquoddy culture in Maine. The kit is a collaboration between the Abbe Museum and Acadia National Park staff.

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