SafePlants

Houghton's Sedge (Carex houghtoniana)

Houghton's sedge is a perennial plant found in various habitats, often responding strongly to disturbance. This page provides information about its taxonomy, distribution, and characteristics.

Scientific Classification

• Scientific Name: Carex houghtoniana Torr. ex Dewey
• Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge family)
• Genus: Carex
• Synonyms: Cyperus houghtonii (Note that this species is referred to as Houghton's Flatsedge or Houghton's Umbrella-sedge).

Common Names

• Houghton's sedge
• Houghton's woolly sedge
• Houghton's umbrella sedge
• Houghton's Flatsedge
• Sand sedge

Distribution and Habitat

• Houghton's sedge is found in disturbed fields, roadsides, and logged forests. It often thrives after fires or other disturbances.
• It's known to inhabit open, sandy sites and dunes, particularly those around the Great Lakes.
• The plant has been identified in military training areas and other locations.

Morphological Characteristics

• Houghton's sedge is a small-tufted, grass-like perennial that grows in patches.
• It features strap-like leaves, typically 2.8-8.5 mm wide.
• Stems range in height from 20-100 cm.
• It has rhizomatous growth, and staminate spikes, usually 2 or 3 cylindric pistillate spikes well above the leaves.

Ecological Role

• This sedge responds strongly to disturbance, suggesting a role in early successional environments.

Further Resources

• USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
• Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An illustrated flora of the northern United States, Canada and the British Possessions.