SafePlants

Carex leucodonta - Huachuca Mountain Sedge

Considerations for Pets

• This plant is a sedge, which are grass-like plants. While some grasses can cause mild digestive upset if ingested in large quantities, specific risks associated with Carex leucodonta for pets are not detailed in the provided text.

Considerations for Children

• This plant is a sedge, which are grass-like plants. While generally not considered highly toxic, it's always wise to discourage children from consuming wild plants. The provided text does not offer any information specific to children's interactions with this plant.

Common Names

• Huachuca Mountain Sedge

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Carex leucodonta T. Holm
• Genus: Carex
• Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge family)
• Taxonomic Status: Accepted
• Related ITIS Name: Carex leucodonta Holm (TSN 39672)
• Synonyms: Some texts mention "Arizona Giant Sedge" and "Cochise Sedge" though they are typically references to the genus rather than this specific species.

Distribution and Habitat

• This sedge is found in the Huachuca Mountains of Arizona.
• It is also reported from the Chiricahua Mountains, Santa Rita Mountains, and along the Santa Cruz River in Cochise County, Arizona.
• It typically grows in moist soil.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Carex leucodonta is a graminoid, meaning it is grass-like in appearance.
• It is a perennial plant, meaning it lives for more than two years.

Ecology

• This sedge is associated with streams and aquatic habitats in mountainous regions.

Quirky Facts

• The text associates this plant with the Huachuca Mountains, a location drawing attention for various reasons, including Ramsey Canyon and its wildlife.
• It's noted as part of the Madrean oak-pine woodland on limestone mountains.

Further Information

• Discover Life maintains a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Carex leucodonta.
• Information can be found at KEW (Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew) under accession code CALE12.
• The Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) can be accessed using TSN 39672.