No images found for this plant ID: 6963.
Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "6963" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.
Back's sedge
Scientific Name: Carex backii
Family: Cyperaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Graminoid
Duration: Perennial
Other Names: CT (sedge), MA (Back's sedge), ME (Back's sedge),
Back's Sedge (Carex backii)
Carex backii, commonly known as Back's sedge, is a perennial herbaceous sedge belonging to the family Cyperaceae.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Carex backii Boott
- Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge Family)
- Synonyms: Carex durifolia Bailey, Carex backii var. subrostrata, Carex durifolia var. subrostrata
- Other Common Names: Rocky Mountain Sedge, Back Sedge, carex de Back
- Section: Phyllostachyae
Distribution and Habitat
Back's sedge is found in dry, rich woodlands. It was first discovered in Connecticut in 1988, and Massachusetts in 1997.
Morphological Characteristics
- Perennial graminoid
- Culms (stems) are 1.4-25 cm in length.
- Basal leaf sheaths are pale to medium brown.
- Leaf blades are dull green to yellowish green.
- The lowest carpellate scales are much longer than the perigynia and bright green.
- The uppermost flowering spike is androgynous (containing both male and female flowers).
Quirky Facts
- Back's sedge is named in honor of a British naval officer.
Further Information
- ABMI Species, version 3.1 (2016-01-07). URL: http://species.abmi.ca/pages/species/vplants/CarexBackii.html
- ITIS Name: Carex backii Boott (TSN 39515)
- ResearchGate: Back's Sedge, Carex backii (Cyperaceae) on ResearchGate
- USDA Symbol: CABA3