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Bebb's sedge
Scientific Name: Carex bebbii
Family: Cyperaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Graminoid
Duration: Perennial
Other Names: IN (Bebb's sedge), NH (Bebb's sedge), PA (Bebb's s
Bebb's Sedge (Carex bebbii)
Discover the fascinating world of Bebb's Sedge, a unique plant with interesting characteristics and a notable presence in various ecosystems.
Common Names
- Bebb's Sedge
- Bebb's Oval Sedge
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Carex bebbii Olney ex Fernald (also seen as L.H.Bailey)
- Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge Family)
- Genus: Carex
- Species: bebbii
- Synonyms: Carex bebbii Olney
Distribution and Habitat
- Bebb's Sedge is found in Canada and Wisconsin, with documented sightings in Idaho and Ontario.
- It thrives in wet meadows, saturated soils, open marshes, and fens.
- It's often found along shorelines, pond edges, and in moist, sandy soil dominated flats.
- Prefers moist sun or semi-shade, wooded borders and clearings.
Ecological Role
- This sedge is palatable to livestock.
- It is good for restoring wetlands.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Bebb's Sedge is a tufted perennial, grass-like herb.
- It typically grows to a height of 12 to 36 inches (0.3 to 0.9 meters), but can range from 20-90cm.
- It forms clumps or tussocks.
- It has distinctive brown seed heads that resemble spiked balls when clustered.
- Fertile culms are typically 2-8 dm tall.
Quirky Facts
- Bebb's Sedge can reach reproductive maturity from seed in just one season, making it a "facultative annual," which is unusual for sedges.
- Actively grows during the spring and fall when soil temperatures are cool.
Additional Information
- Hardiness Zones: 3-6
- Bloom Color: Green
- Flowering Time: June to August
Further Information
- USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
- iNat taxon page
- Biodiversity Heritage Library