SafePlants

Whitetinge Sedge (Carex albicans)

Considerations for Pets

• This plant is a graminoid, like grass. Grasses can sometimes cause digestive upset if ingested in large quantities.
• The plant produces seeds, which could be a choking hazard for small animals.

Considerations for Children

• This plant is a graminoid, like grass. Grasses can sometimes cause digestive upset if ingested in large quantities.
• The plant produces seeds, which could be a choking hazard for young children.

Common Names

• Whitetinge Sedge
• White Tinge Sedge
• Oak Sedge
• White Tinted Sedge
• Bellow-beaked Sedge
• Covered Sedge

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Carex albicans Willd. ex Spreng.
• Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge Family)
• Genus: Carex
• Species: albicans
• Plant Form: Graminoid
• USDA Symbol: CAAL25
• Synonyms:
  • Carex artitecta Mack.
  • Carex artitecta var. subtilirostris
  • Carex emmonsii
  • Carex nigromarginata var. muhlenbergii
• Varieties:
  • Carex albicans var. albicans Willd. ex Spreng.
  • Carex albicans var. australis
  • Carex albicans var. emmonsii (Dewey ex Torr.) Rettig

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the United States (L48) and Canada (CAN).
• Found throughout the state of Missi.
• Observed in Washington County, Maryland.
• Prefers slightly humid soil.
• Grows in conditions from sun to shade and wet to dry.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Perennial plant (lives for more than two years).
• Grows in a clump to 15 to 20 inches tall.
• Herbaceous plant with narrow leaves.
• Flowering period is in April.
• Height ranges from 2 to 20 inches.
• Has triangular stems and is a bluish green color that often has a white tinge.

Interesting Notes

• Tolerates dry conditions better than most species of Carex.
• Will grow in full sun.
• Hardiness Zone: Zone 4 (-30/-20F).
• Sedges are a good alternative to turfgrass in shade areas.

Further Information

• USDA Plants Database
• Discover Life
• Encyclopedia of Life
• Ctesy Missi Botanical Garden PlantFinder