SafePlants

*Carex hordeistichos* - Barley Sedge

*Carex hordeistichos*, commonly known as Barley Sedge, is a species of sedge with a peri-Mediterranean distribution and also found in Central Europe.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: *Carex hordeistichos* Vill.
• Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge family)
• The name *Carex hordeistichos* is an accepted name.
• Synonyms: Several sources list synonym and alternative names, but these were not explicity stated in the provided text.

Distribution and Habitat

• *Carex hordeistichos* is native to Central Europe and is a peri-Mediterranean species.
• It has a disjunct range, meaning it's found in geographically separated areas.
• Specifically found in Southern Europe and Germany (with isolated outposts).
• It occurs in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Lorraine (France).
• The plant is often considered halophilic, meaning it thrives in saline (salty) environments.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• It is a perennial herbaceous plant.
• The sedge has stiff leaves that are very rough on the edges.
• The leaves are flat at the top and trough-shaped at the bottom.
• It grows to a medium size.
• It is evergreen during spring, summer, autumn and winter.
• It bears fruit spikes.

Ecological Role

• *Carex hordeistichos* is found in herbaceous wetlands.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• *Puccinia caricina* s.l. (a rust fungus) has been found on *Carex hordeistichos* in Austria.

Further Information

• Information can be found on the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) website.
• Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN), U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service.
• Tropicos & IPCN.
• Encyclopedia of Life
• Wikipedia Species Pages - German checklist
• Euro+Med Plantbase
• FloraWeb
• Plantillustrations.org