SafePlants

Dark-brown Sedge (Carex atrofusca)

The following information pertains to various sedges and related species, primarily focusing on the Carex atrofusca, commonly known as Dark-brown Sedge.

Considerations for Pets

• Some sedges have sharp edges on their leaves.
• Some sedges can form dense stands via rhizomes.

Considerations for Children

• Some sedges have sharp edges on their leaves.
• Some sedges can form dense stands via rhizomes.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Carex atrofusca
• Common Name: Dark-brown Sedge
• Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge family)

Distribution and Habitat

• Carex atrofusca is found in the northern portions of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
• Some sedges grow in or adjacent to rushes.
• One variety is native to Colorado.
• A project exists to map populations in Dumfries and Galloway.

Morphological Characteristics

• Leaves of some species are described as glaucous with dark brown or wine-colored sheaths.
• Cyperus fuscus has spikelets which are flat, oval or rectangular, and dark brown to deep purple.
• The flowers of the sedge native to Colorado are dark brown and form spikelets of 3 to 5 on the ends of long stems.
• Brown sedges grow from long, creeping rhizomes.
• Scales on the pistillate perigynia of Pennsylvania Sedge are dark reddish-brown with narrow white margins.

Ecological Role

• The shiny dark brown fruits (perigynia enclosing achenes) are eaten by many animals.
• The order of Trichoptera (caddisflies), which some sedges imitate, are an important food source for fish.

Further Information

• http://www.geobotany.org/teaching/plant_keys/