SafePlants

Arctic Marsh Sedge (Carex holostoma)

The Arctic Marsh Sedge, scientifically known as Carex holostoma, is a plant found in arctic regions. It's also known as holostome sedge.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Carex holostoma Drejer
• Common Name: Arctic Marsh Sedge
• Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge family)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Synonym: Carex alpina

Distribution and Habitat

• The Arctic Marsh Sedge is found in arctic regions, including the Arctic coast, arctic Alaska, and Finland.
• It typically grows in freshwater marshes, often on the margins of ponds, lakes, and beaded streams.
• It can also be found in wet sedge tundra communities and salt marshes.

Ecological Role

• In arctic tundra soil, oxygen depletion associated with soil flooding may control its growth.
• It serves as a forage source for some animals, such as caribou.
• Its presence can be affected by the degradation of coastal salt marsh and sedge meadow habitats.
• It is a component of Arctic tundra vegetation.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Arctic Marsh Sedge is grazed in salt-marshes, and goose feces provide a nitrogen source for its growth.
• It is associated with various bird species, including the Sedge Warbler, Arctic Tern, and Arctic Skua, although these birds are not necessarily directly interacting with the plant.
• Lemmings live in habitats where this sedge is found, including marshes.

Additional Resources

• Further information can be found on The Plant List, ToL (Tree of Life Web Project), BHL (Biodiversity Heritage Library), and WikiSpecies.
• Discover Life provides information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of the Arctic Marsh Sedge.
• The TERMIUM Plus database, maintained by the Government of Canada, contains terminological and linguistic data.