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Carex brunnescens: Brownish Sedge

Carex brunnescens, commonly known as brownish sedge, is a species of sedge belonging to the genus Carex.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Carex brunnescens (Pers.) Poir.
• Common Name: Brownish sedge
• Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge family)
• Genus: Carex
• Species: brunnescens
• Subspecies:
  • Carex brunnescens ssp. alaskana
  • Carex brunnescens ssp. brunnescens
  • Carex brunnescens ssp. sphaerostachya (Tuckerman) Kalela
  • Carex brunnescens (Pers.) Poir. (s.l.). ssp. pacifica Kalela (s.s.)
• Synonyms: Several other Carex species are mentioned in relation, including Carex buxbaumii.

Distribution and Habitat

• Brownish sedge is morphologically variable across its distribution.
• It is considered threatened or endangered in some midwestern states.

Morphological Characteristics

• It is a densely tufted perennial growing from short, black rhizomes.
• Stems are erect to spreading, 10 - 60 cm tall, brownish at the base and clothed.
• The plant is a tufted, long-lived, grass-like plant with upright flowering stems growing up to 80 cm tall.
• Stems (1-3 mm thick) are hairless and triangular.
• Clump forming with 3 to 10 spikes all gynecandrous, to inch long, not crowded perigynia.
• Leaf sheath may be brownish or have brownish spots.
• Fertile culms are 1–2' tall, consisting of an unbranched culm and leaves are a mixture of green and brown, but they later become brownish black.

Ecological Role

• Grows at surveyed locations (+) where its presence has been detected.

Quirky Facts

• The unusual 'brownish' coloring of this sedge along with the curling at the tips of the leaves makes this plant an outstanding addition to any garden.

Further Information

• USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
• Maryland Plant Atlas
• Norton-Brown Herbarium
• Encyclopedia of Life