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greater bladder sedge

Scientific Name: Carex intumescens

Family: Cyperaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Graminoid

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: IL (swollen sedge)

       

Greater Bladder Sedge (Carex intumescens)

The Greater Bladder Sedge, scientifically known as Carex intumescens, is a fascinating plant with distinctive features and a wide distribution.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Carex intumescens Rudge
  • Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge Family)
  • Synonym: Carex intumescens var. fernaldii L.H. Bailey
  • Common Names: Greater Bladder Sedge, Great Bladder Sedge, Shining Bur Sedge, Swollen Sedge, Bladder Sedge

Morphological Characteristics

  • The plant is clump-forming.
  • It features a single terminal staminate spike.
  • It has 1 to 4 pistillate spikes crowded near the staminate spike.
  • A key identifying characteristic is its lustrous, inflated, tear-drop shaped perigynia (sacs enclosing the fruits). The perigynia radiate in all directions.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Greater Bladder Sedge is native to much of eastern North America.
  • It is found in wetland habitats.
  • Specific locations mentioned include Minnesota, Ontario, Maryland (Queen Anne's Co., Cecil Co.), South Carolina (Congaree Creek Heritage Preserve), and Oklahoma.

Related Species

  • It is similar to Gray's Sedge (Carex grayi).

Further Information

  • USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
  • Discover Life