SafePlants

Star Sedge (Carex echinata)

Carex echinata, commonly known as star sedge or little prickly sedge, is a perennial sedge with distinctive star-shaped inflorescences.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that Carex echinata gets its specific epithet "echinata" (meaning spines or spikes) from the long-beaked perigynia (sacs enclosing the fruits) that resemble spines.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

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

Distribution and Habitat

• Carex echinata is found in acidic northern wetlands, particularly in sandy or peaty soils.
• It is referenced as being found in Germany and in the Danube system.

Morphological Characteristics

• This grasslike plant is a native North American wildflower that forms an upright clump of fresh green, leathery leaves.
• The inflorescences are star-shaped spikelets, typically 3-15 millimetres in size.
• It often forms a dense tuft of leaves and culms, typically spanning about 1 foot tall and across. The slender culms are triangular in shape.
• The plant grows 30-45cm (12-18 in.) tall and produces star-shaped flower bracts at its stem tips.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The Twin-barred Dwarf moth (Elachista gleichenella) is known to feed on Star Sedge (Carex echinata).

Synonyms and Related Species

• Eastern Star Sedge (Carex radiata) is mentioned as a similar species, also forming dense tufts of foliage.
• Other related sedges include Carex grayi (Morning Star Sedge), Carex ovalis, Carex pulicaris, Carex remota, and Carex dioica.