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button sedge
Scientific Name: Carex bullata
Family: Cyperaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Graminoid
Duration: Perennial
Other Names: NH (inflated sedge), NY (button sedge), PA (bull s
Button Sedge (Carex bullata)
Button sedge, scientifically known as Carex bullata Schkuhr ex Willd., is a perennial graminoid belonging to the sedge family (Cyperaceae). It is also referred to as bull sedge and sometimes as "Welshman's Button Sedge," though the latter name also appears to reference interactions between the plant and a specific insect. The species name bullata is derived from the Latin "bullatus," meaning inflated, which refers to the inflated perigynia of the spike.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Carex bullata Schkuhr ex Willd.
- Common Names: Button sedge, bull sedge, Welshman's Button Sedge
- Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge Family)
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Order: Poales
- Synonym: CABU7 (USDA Symbol)
Distribution and Habitat
- Button sedge is mainly found in acidic bogs and meadows along the coastal plain.
- Its range extends from Nova Scotia south to Georgia.
Morphological Characteristics
- The plant typically grows to a height of 30-90 cm.
- It has specialized leaves (bracts) that are 2-.5 mm wide and attach to the stem under the female flower spikes. These leaves usually do not extend much higher than the flower spikes.
- It is a graminoid.
Ecological Role
- Button sedge plays a role in the diet of trout in certain regions.
Conservation Status
- Button sedge is listed as endangered in New Hampshire.
- In another location it is on a watch list.