SafePlants

Carex acuta and Other Grassland Sedges

This page provides information on various sedge species found in grassland environments, including Carex acuta, commonly known as Slender Tufted Sedge Purple, and other related species. Sedges are an important component of many grassland ecosystems.

Considerations for Pets

• Several sedge species possess deeply grooved leaves, which could potentially cause minor irritation if chewed or ingested by pets.

Considerations for Children

• Like with pets, deeply grooved leaves of sedges may cause irritation if chewed or ingested.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

• Carex acuta: Slender Tufted Sedge Purple.
• Several other Carex species are mentioned, including:
  • Carex pilulifera: Green-ribbed Sedge
  • Carex binervis: Oval Sedge
  • Carex capillaris: Hair Sedge
  • Carex caryophyllea: Spring Sedge
  • Carex demissa: Common Yellow-sedge
  • Carex panicea: Carnation Sedge
  • Carex pulicaris: Flea Sedge
  • Carex divulsa: Grassland Sedge, with the subspecies Carex divulsa Stokes subsp. divulsa
  • Carex echinata: Little Prickly Sedge
  • Carex divisa
  • Carex leersii: Grassland Sedge
  • Carex muricata
  • Carex virens
  • Carex remota: Remote Sedge

Distribution and Habitat

• Carex acuta (Slender Tufted Sedge Purple) is found in wetland and wet grassland habitats, specifically in the British Isles (Brit Isles).
• Several sedge species are found in calcareous grasslands, both upland and lowland.
• Glaucous sedge is a native perennial of relatively nutrient-poor, un-shaded grassland and can be found on a wide range of soils including chalk and limestone.

Ecological Role

• Carex divulsa (Grassland Sedge) is noted as an invasive species. Its impact on local ecosystems should be considered.
• Sedges play a vital role in grassland ecosystems, contributing to the sward composition alongside grasses, mosses, and herbs.

Morphological Characteristics

• Carex acuta grows to a height of 20-100cm and has an upright growth habit.
• Carex divulsa has arching clumps and narrow leaves, creating a bright green sea of texture.
• The deeply grooved leaf of a sedge is a key identification characteristic.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Sedge Wrens prefer large areas of contiguous grassland habitat with dense growth of sedges.

Further Information

• www.snh.gov.uk is mentioned as a resource related to species-rich grasslands.
• Discover Life offers a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Carex divulsa.