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spreading sedge

Scientific Name: Carex laxiculmis

Family: Cyperaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Graminoid

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: ME (spreading sedge), MN (spreading sedge)

       

Spreading Sedge (Carex laxiculmis)

Spreading sedge, scientifically known as Carex laxiculmis, is a versatile plant suitable for various garden settings. This sedge is noted for its attractive foliage and adaptability to different light conditions.

Considerations for Pets

  • Carex species generally have grass-like foliage that may be tempting for pets to nibble on.
  • Some sedges spread via rhizomes, and disturbing these rhizomes (e.g., by digging) may release plant matter into the environment.

Considerations for Children

  • As a low-growing plant, spreading sedge may be easily accessible to children.
  • Some varieties, like the "Ice Dance" sedge, are dense and spreading, which could present a tripping hazard in certain areas.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Carex laxiculmis Schwein.
  • Common Names: Spreading sedge
  • Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge family)
  • Genus: Carex
  • Subspecies:
    • Carex laxiculmis var. copulata
    • Carex laxiculmis var. laxiculmis
  • Synonyms: The text mentions searching for synonyms.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Spreading sedge is native to moist, deciduous forests.
  • It is commonly found in New England, specifically in wet soil of seeps or next to streams.
  • Varieties such as Carex laxiculmis 'Bunny Blue' are native to the United States.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Spreading sedge has silvery-blue foliage that forms low-growing mounds.
  • It typically reaches a mature height of about 12 inches.
  • It spreads slowly to form tidy clumps, some via rhizomes while others don't.
  • The plant features tufted spikelets.
  • Some varieties, like 'Ice Dance', are dense and spreading.

Ecological Role

  • The plant is considered a characteristic sedge of evergreen and mixed deciduous forests.
  • It plays a role in prairie restorations, depending on the variant.
  • The text mentions other species such as goldenrod and weeping sedge spread by seed, potentially causing problems.

Cultivars

  • 'Bunny Blue' (Carex laxiculmis 'Bunny Blue'): A silvery blue evergreen sedge.
  • 'Hobb' (Carex laxiculmis 'Hobb'): Also known as 'Bunny Blue', doesn't spread via rhyzomes.
  • 'Ice Dance' (Carex 'Ice Dance'): A dense, spreading sedge grown for its foliage.

Growing Conditions

  • It grows best in average soil that is evenly moist.
  • It tolerates part-sun, provided the soil is kept consistently moist.
  • Adapted to full sun as well as shady conditions.
  • Hardiness range: 6A - 9B.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Image 1117169 is credited to Charles T. Bryson at USDA Agricultural Research Service.

Further Information

  • Discover Life has a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Carex laxiculmis.
  • Emerald Coast Growers provides wholesale liners of Carex laxiculmis Bunny Blue™.