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brownish sedge

Scientific Name: Carex brunnescens ssp. brunnescens

Family: Cyperaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Graminoid

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Brownish Sedge (Carex brunnescens)

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

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Carex brunnescens (Pers.) Poir.
  • 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: The text also mentions other Carex species with similar names or appearances, such as Carex buxbaumii and Carex canescens, which may sometimes be confused with Carex brunnescens.

Distribution and Habitat

  • The brownish sedge is considered threatened or endangered in some midwestern states.
  • It is found in Alaska, leading to the common name Alaskan brown sedge.
  • It is present in Maryland, as evidenced by specimens at the Norton-Brown Herbarium.

Morphological Characteristics

  • The brownish sedge is a densely tufted perennial growing from short, black rhizomes.
  • Stems are erect to spreading, ranging from 10 to 60 cm tall, and brownish at the base. They are also described as rigid, hairless, and triangular in cross-section, measuring 1-3 mm thick.
  • Forms clumps with 3 to 10 spikes, all gynecandrous (having female flowers above the male flowers), up to 1 inch long, and not crowded.
  • The plant's leaves exhibit an unusual brownish coloring.
  • The leaf sheath (the part of the leaf wrapping around the stem) may be brownish or have brownish spots.
  • The culm (unbranched stem) is 1-2' tall.
  • Perigynia may be beaked.

Ecological Role

  • The plant is described as morphologically variable across its distribution, suggesting adaptation to diverse environments.

Associations with Other Organisms

  • The sedge wren, a small brownish bird, is associated with sedge habitats.
  • The caddisfly genus Pycnopsyche (Great Autumn Brown Sedges) is mentioned in relation to fly fishing, implying a connection to aquatic ecosystems where sedges are present.

    • Resources and Further Information

    • USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
    • ITIS (Integrated Taxonomic Information System)
    • Maryland Plant Atlas
    • Norton-Brown Herbarium
    • Encyclopedia of Life
    • Discover Life