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heavy sedge

Scientific Name: Carex gravida var. gravida

Family: Cyperaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Graminoid

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Heavy Sedge (Carex gravida)

Heavy Sedge, scientifically known as Carex gravida, is a perennial sedge belonging to the Cyperaceae family. It is also known as Heavy-fruit Caric Sedge and Long Awned Bracted Sedge.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant is a sedge, a grass-like plant.
  • The text mentions fibrous roots.

Considerations for Children

  • This plant is a sedge, a grass-like plant.
  • The text mentions fibrous roots.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Carex gravida L.H. Bailey
  • Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge Family)
  • Order: Cyperales (Grasses/Sedges)
  • Synonyms/Common Names: Heavy-fruit Caric Sedge, Long Awned Bracted Sedge, Heavy Fruited Sedge
  • Subspecies: Carex gravida L.H. Bailey var. gravida
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Division: Tracheophyta
  • Class: Magnoliopsida
  • Order: Poales
  • Genus: Carex
  • Species: gravida

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to Kansas and the US.
  • Adapted to mesic soils that are not too acidic.
  • Tolerant of a wide range of soils, tolerant of a range of pH, wet to medium moisture level.
  • Prefers ancient woods on clay and heavy soils.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Perennial sedge, typically 1-3' tall (approximately 30 inches).
  • Culms are erect or ascending, slender, prominently triangular, light green, and rough beneath the inflorescences.
  • Fertile culm is 3-angled, hairless, and slightly rough along the edges.
  • Grows in bunches with flowering stems.
  • Leaves are narrow.
  • Grows as tall as 70 cm from a horizontal rhizome and thick fibrous roots.

Ecological Role

  • In pastures, it is unpalatable and provides little feed value.
  • Heavy grazing may encourage proliferation and spread.