SafePlants

Southern Sedge: A Detailed Overview

This page provides information about various plants referred to as "sedge," particularly focusing on species found in southern regions. Sedges are grass-like plants often found in wetland environments. This page also explores other sedge species.

Considerations for Pets

• Some sedges have sharp edges and wiry culms (stems).

Scientific Names and Common Names

• Scientific Name: Carex austrina (Small) Mack.
• Common Name: Southern Sedge
• Scientific Name: Cyperus rotundus
• Common Names: coco-grass, Java grass, nut grass, purple nut sedge

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Cyperaceae (mentioned in relation to Cyperus rotundus and Khaosokia caricoides)
• Synonyms: Southern caric sedge (for Carex austrina)

Distribution and Habitat

• Southern Wisconsin: Sedge meadows are widespread and often dominated by tussock sedge and Canada bluejoint grass.
• Southern and Central Europe, Africa: Native region of Cyperus rotundus.
• Southern Britain: Some sedges are found there.
• Southern and Southeastern Outer Alps of Italy: Southern rusty sedge grasslands are found in subalpine and lower alpine levels.
• Southern Lower Peninsula of Michigan: Area thought to be restricted to some sedge species.
• Southern Thailand: Where Khaosokia caricoides was first discovered.
• Southern Russia, northern Asia Minor, southern Siberia, China, Japan, northern United States: Mentioned in context with "Sedge, Sweet".

Ecological Role

• Sedge meadows are important wetland communities.
• They can tolerate inundation.
• Grazing by cattle can influence the structure of sedge meadows.
• Mention of cattle foraging in upland habitats rather than wet sedge meadow habitat.

Morphological Characteristics

• Carex austrina (Southern Sedge): Culms (stems) are prominently triangular, slender, stiff, wiry, rough, 8 to 40 inches long, and much surpassing leaves.
• Creeping rhizomatous perennial sedge that grows to 100cm.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Stethophyma celata: Southern Sedge Grasshopper.
• Sedge Warblers caught in reed stands.

Resources and Further Information

• Discover Life: Provides a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Carex austrina.
• Kost et al. 2007.

Quirky Facts

• In 1973, someone named Sedge started his service in the United States Navy and was soon assigned to Southern Italy. (This is most likely a reference to a person, not the plant itself, but is included as it's a quirky, unexpected appearance of the word "Sedge").