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Harper's sedge

Scientific Name: Carex leptalea ssp. harperi

Family: Cyperaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Graminoid

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Harper's Sedge (Carex leptalea subsp. harperi)

Harper's Sedge, scientifically known as Carex leptalea subsp. harperi, is a perennial graminoid plant also referred to as Bristlystalked Sedge or Little Bog Sedge. This plant is a subspecies of Carex leptalea.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant is noted to have stiff, ridged stems.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Carex leptalea Wahlenb. subsp. harperi (Fernald) W. Stone
  • Common Name: Harper's Sedge
  • Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge Family)
  • Informal Taxonomy: Plants, Vascular - Flowering Plants - Sedge Family
  • Synonyms:
    • Bristly-stalk Sedge
    • Little Bog Sedge

Distribution and Habitat

  • Harper's Sedge is native to much of North America.
  • Mentioned as a key element in Maryland preserve guides, specifically in Delmarva bays.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Typical sedge appearance with stiff, ridged stems.
  • Perennial plant.
  • Flower Color: Green
  • Bloom Period: Late Spring

Ecological Role

  • Mentioned in the context of sedge ecosystems concerning ecology, fire, mammals, birds and reptiles.

Allergen Potential

  • Carex leptalea (including Harper's Sedge) has a high allergen potential.

Related Species

  • Carex albicans (white-tinged sedge, bluntscale oak sedge)
  • Carex leptalea (bristlestalk sedge)
  • Carex virescens (greenish sedge)

Further Information

  • USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database.
  • British Database of World Flora and Fauna.