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star sedge

Scientific Name: Carex echinata

Family: Cyperaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Graminoid

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: IL (little prickly sedge), IN (little prickly sedg

       

Star Sedge (Carex echinata)

Carex echinata, commonly known as star sedge or little prickly sedge, is a native North American wildflower belonging to the sedge family.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant is grasslike with leathery leaves.
  • It gets the name "prickly sedge" from the spines or spikes present in the long-beaked perigynia (sacs enclosing the fruits).
  • The inflorescences are star-shaped spikelets.

Considerations for Children

  • The plant is grasslike with leathery leaves.
  • It gets the name "prickly sedge" from the spines or spikes present in the long-beaked perigynia (sacs enclosing the fruits).
  • The inflorescences are star-shaped spikelets.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Carex echinata Murray
  • Common Names: Star Sedge, Little Prickly Sedge
  • Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge family)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Carex echinata is found in acidic northern wetlands, specifically in sandy or peaty soils.
  • It can also be found in Peri-Danubian black-white-star sedge fens, which are acidic fens in the mountains and hills of the Danube system.
  • Mentioned as present in Germany.

Morphological Characteristics

  • This perennial sedge often forms a dense tuft of leaves and culms, typically spanning about 1 foot in height and width.
  • The slender culms are triangular in shape.
  • Inflorescences are star-shaped spikelets, measuring 3-15 millimeters.
  • The plant produces star-shaped flower bracts at its stem tips.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • The Twin-barred Dwarf moth (Elachista gleichenella) feeds on Carex echinata.

Additional Information

  • Carex echinata is considered an attractive sedge with star-like perigynia.

Quirky Facts

  • Another sedge, Carex grayi, is sometimes referred to as "Morning Star Sedge" because its spiked flowers resemble the medieval weapon of the same name.