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chestnut sedge

Scientific Name: Carex castanea

Family: Cyperaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Graminoid

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: CT (chestnut-colored sedge), MA (chestnut-colored

       

Chinese Water Chestnut (Eleocharis dulcis) and Chestnut Sedge (Carex castanea)

This page provides information on two plants commonly referred to as "chestnut sedge" or "water chestnut": Eleocharis dulcis (Chinese water chestnut or water chestnut) and Carex castanea (chestnut sedge). It is important to distinguish between these two, as they are distinct species with different characteristics and uses.

Considerations for Pets

  • Some sedges have grass-like leaves, which may be attractive to pets.

Considerations for Children

  • Some sedges have grass-like leaves, which may be attractive to children.
  • Trapa natans, also known as water chestnut, bears spiny fruits.

Eleocharis dulcis: Chinese Water Chestnut

  • Common Names: Chinese water chestnut, water chestnut
  • Description: Eleocharis dulcis is a grass-like sedge cultivated for its edible corm (underground stem). The leaves resemble coarse chive leaves, erect and tubular.
  • Distribution: Native to Asia (China, Japan, India, Philippines, etc.), Australia, and tropical regions.
  • Uses: Widely used in Asian cooking; its white flesh remains crisp after cooking.

Carex castanea: Chestnut Sedge

  • Common Names: Chestnut sedge, chestnut-colored sedge, Salt-marsh Flat Sedge, Saltmarsh Flat-Sedge
  • Taxonomy:
    • Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge Family)
  • Habitat: Flat lakeplain landscapes with depressions and other areas characterized by a fluctuating water table, including coastal plain marshes and sandy lake shores.
  • Distribution: Rare in New England, where it is found on calcareous river shores, lake shores, and meadows. Found in locations such as Drummond Island, Chippewa County.
  • Morphology: Clump forming, hairy terminal spike all staminate, 2 to 4 pistillate spikes drooping on thread-like. Leaf sheaths and blades (especially near base) somewhat.
  • Ecology: Often found in calcareous areas.

Other Species Mentioned

  • Fimbristylis puberula: Also referred to as Chestnut Sedge.
  • Fimbristylis spadicea: Also referred to as Chestnut Sedge.
  • Blysmus rufus: Preferred name for an unspecified plant, previously known as NBNSYS0000165812.

Quirky Facts

  • Water chestnuts are not nuts, despite the name.

Further Information

  • USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
  • Discover Life
  • Go Botany
  • Natural History
  • Center for Aquatic Plants: http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/fimspad.html