SafePlants

Carex gracillima: Graceful Sedge

Carex gracillima, commonly known as Graceful Sedge or Purple-sheathed Graceful Sedge, is a native perennial sedge prized for its delicate appearance and ecological benefits.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant produces bead-like seeds, which may be of interest to pets.

Considerations for Children

• This plant produces bead-like seeds, which may be of interest to children.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Carex gracillima Schwein.
• Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge family)
• Genus: Carex
• Species: gracillima
• Common Names: Graceful Sedge, Purple-sheathed Graceful Sedge
• Synonyms: Carex nigra, Carex fusca, Carex acuta, C gracilis, Carex filiforme
• Taxonomic Rank: Subspecies (Carex gracillima var. macerrima Fernald &amp Wiegand)

Distribution and Habitat

• Common in New England.
• Found in moist to wet forests, meadows, and swamp edges.
• Prefers woods and wet-mesic habitats.

Ecological Role

• Aids in erosion control and will spread by rhizomes to form colonies.

Morphological Characteristics

• Cool-season perennial forming dense clumps.
• Flowering stems (culms) are triangular in cross-section, reaching 8 to 36 inches in height.
• Fine blades with arching stems.
• Produces hanging strings of bead-like seeds in summer.
• Height: typically 18-24 inches.

Growing Conditions

• Prefers part to full shade.
• Requires moderately wet to medium moisture levels.
• Adaptable to most soils except rocky ones.
• Blooming Period: May, June, July.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Serves as a habitat for the Graceful Sedge Grasshopper (Stethophyma gracile) and Striped Sedge Grasshopper (Stethophyma lineata).

Additional Information

• Actively grows during the spring and fall when soil temperatures are cool.
• Soil Moisture: Dry-Mesic, Mesic, Wet-Mesic.
• Germination Code: C(60) for Carex davisii (Awned Graceful Sedge).

Resources

• USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
• Discover Life
• Dave's Garden