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Bush's sedge
Scientific Name: Carex bushii
Family: Cyperaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Graminoid
Duration: Perennial
Other Names: CT (sedge), IN (Bush's sedge), MA (Bush's sedge),
Bush's Sedge (Carex bushii)
Bush's Sedge, scientifically known as Carex bushii, is a species of sedge belonging to the Cyperaceae family. It is also commonly referred to as Benjamin Bush's sedge.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Carex bushii Mackenzie
- Common Name: Bush's Sedge, Benjamin Bush's sedge
- Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge family)
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Division: Tracheophyta
Distribution and Habitat
Carex bushii is native to the Eastern United States, where it thrives in natural grassland areas. It is considered rare in New England. The plant has also been identified in Cecil County, Maryland, and Oklahoma.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Habit: Loosely cespitose perennial
- Culms: Erect, conspicuously triangular, slender, somewhat stiff, sparsely pubescent, up to 8 dm tall. The angles of the culms are rough.
- Plant Form: Graminoid
- Height: Grows to a height of 1.00 to 3.00 feet (24-36 inches).
- Flowers: Green, yellow, or brown
- Fruits: Achene with perigynium (sac-like structure) with notched beak
Ecological Role
Bush's Sedge is sometimes included as an ingredient for landscaping features. It is listed as an endangered species in Massachusetts and is also considered a rare plant in Albany Pine Bush Significant Habitat Complex.
Quirky Facts
- The plant is named after Benjamin Franklin Bush (1858-1937), who was a grocer, postmaster, and amateur botanist.
- Achene fruits have a perigynium, a sac-like structure, with a notched beak.
Further Information
- USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
- NY Botanical Garden
- Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife
- Go Botany