SafePlants

Carex lasiocarpa

Carex lasiocarpa is a species of sedge known by the common names slender sedge and woollyfruit sedge. Other common names include wire sedge.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant has stiff leaves.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Carex lasiocarpa Ehrh.
• Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge family)
• Synonyms: Carex gracilescens Steud.
• Carex acuta is treated in many European countries as C. gracilis Curtis.
• Subspecies: Carex macloviana subsp. subfusca
• Variety: CAREX LASIOCARPA Ehrh. var. AMERICANA Fernald

Distribution and Habitat

• Palaearctic terrestrialisation communities
• Dystrophic to mesotrophic waters with low nutrient levels.
• Grows in wet environments and fens.
• Found in the Puget trough.

Morphological Characteristics

• Reaches 45 to 120 cm in height.
• Possesses creeping rhizomes.
• Leaves are greyish-green, glossy beneath, inrolled, and 1 to 2 mm wide.
• Perennial sedge, producing an unbranched flowering culm with alternate leaves.

Related Species

• Carex praegracilis, also known as Slender Sedge, is a large grass growing 3-4' tall.
• Other species with the common name "Slender Sedge" include: Carex gracilescens, Carex gracillima, Carex simulata, Carex tenera, Carex subfusca (Rusty slender sedge).
• Other Carex species: Carex athrostachya (Slender beak sedge, Slender leaved sedge), Carex acuta x elata (C. x prolixa), Carex acutiformis, Carex tumulicola, Carex leptalea (Bristlystalked Sedge).
• Other Slender sedges: Carex digitalis (Slender woodland sedge), Carex aquatilis (Aquatic Sedge)
• Cyperus species: Cyperus exaltatus (Giant sedge), Cyperus gracilis (Slender sedge).

Further Information

• RHS (Royal Horticultural Society)
• English Wiktionary
• Massachusetts Division of Fisheries &amp Wildlife, Natural Heritage &amp Endangered Species Program