This is a very small plant which grows in boggy areas and doesn't get much taller than about 20 cm. At first you could think you've discovered some tufted form of Eleocharis (Spike Rush) but closer examination shows that each tiny flowerhead has an overtopping bract. This plant used to be known as Scirpus setaceus.

I. setacea is common throughout the British Isles and Ireland.

LHS: Porthmadog estuary 25th September 2005   RHS St Helens flowerbeds 18th July 2005

Added on November 3rd 2005, updated February 3rd 2010, updated 13th April 2010, updated 1st Jan 2013, updated 28th May 13