No images found for this plant ID: 7545.

Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "7545" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.

Safe for Children?

Safe for Dogs?

Safe for Cats?

Safe for Reptiles?

glacial sedge

Scientific Name: Carex glacialis

Family: Cyperaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Graminoid

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Carex glacialis - Glacial Sedge

Carex glacialis, commonly known as glacial sedge, is a monocot belonging to the sedge family (Cyperaceae).

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Carex glacialis Mack.
  • Common Name: Glacial Sedge
  • Group: Monocot
  • Family: Cyperaceae

Distribution and Habitat

Glacial sedge is associated with glacial environments, including glacial bogs, peatlands, and areas with a history of glaciation. It is found in:

  • European Alpine System
  • Northeastern Illinois
  • Glacier National Park
  • Glacial Lake beds and depressions
  • Alaska (Glacier Bay)

Ecological Role

  • Dominates glacial sedge-dominated fens.
  • Important component of sedge meadows and northern fens in wetland environments.
  • Sedges were common in tundra vegetation during glacial periods.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Herbaceous stems
  • Two- and three-sided sedge nutlets
  • Grows in sphagnum and hemlock-dominated depressions.

Quirky Facts

  • Brown bears have been observed eating sedge grass in meadows near Glacier Spit in Chinitna Bay, Lake Clark National Park, Alaska.

Further Information

  • Discover Life: Provides information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Carex glacialis.
  • TERMIUM: Government of Canada's terminology and linguistic data bank.