SafePlants

Openfield Sedge (Carex conoidea)

Carex conoidea, commonly known as Openfield Sedge, is a perennial graminoid belonging to the genus Carex.

Considerations for Pets

• As a graminoid, it may be tempting for pets to chew on the plant's leaves.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Carex conoidea Willd.
• Common Name: Openfield Sedge
• Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge Family)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Synonyms:
  • Carex katahdinensis Fernald.
  • Carex tetanica Schwein. & Torr.
  • Carex illinoensis Dewey.
  • Carex conoidea Schkuhr ex Willd.
• USDA Symbol: CACO14

Distribution and Habitat

• The Openfield Sedge is native to:
  • Lower 48 United States (L48)
  • Canada (CAN)
  • Saint Pierre and Miquelon (SPM)
• Dwarfed individuals can be found in the northern portion of its range and in habitats with rapidly fluctuating water levels.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• It is a perennial graminoid, meaning it lives for more than two years.
• Plant form: Graminoid.
• Flower Color: green, yellow.
• Individuals of open-field sedge that appear dwarfed can be found in the northern portion of its range and in habitats where water levels fluctuate rapidly.

Ecological Role

• The text suggests it may be overlooked or misidentified, indicating it might not be particularly conspicuous in its habitat.

Additional Information

• Seeds per packet: 80
• Seeds per ounce: 11,000
• Germination Code: C(60)
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun, Part Shade
• Soil Moisture: Wet - Mesic

Resources

• Discover Life: Provides information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Carex conoidea.
• USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
• Brooklyn Botanic Garden New York Metropolitan Flora Project (NYMF) Carex conoidea Photo Page.
• Flora of North America.