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lakeshore sedge

Scientific Name: Carex lenticularis var. limnophila

Family: Cyperaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Graminoid

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Lakeshore Sedge (Carex lenticularis)

Carex lenticularis, commonly known as lakeshore sedge and goosegrass sedge, is a sedge species native to northern North America. It is found in various wetland habitats and is sometimes used in habitat restoration projects.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant is commonly found in areas with sandy, gravelly, or rocky shorelines, which are also attractive to animals that like to explore those environments.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Carex lenticularis Michx.
  • Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge family)
  • Common Names: Lakeshore sedge, Goosegrass sedge, Enander's sedge, Fewrib sedge, Kellogg sedge, Lens-fruited sedge, Shore sedge, Tufted sedge.
  • Synonyms: Carex kelloggii
  • Subspecies/Varieties: Carex lenticularis var. lipocarpa, Carex lenticularis var. lenticularis, Carex kelloggii var. kelloggii, Carex lenticularis var. dolia, Carex lenticularis var. limnophila, Carex lenticularis var. lipocarpa.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to much of northern North America.
  • Common species of lake and stream shorelines, especially sandy, gravelly, or rocky areas.
  • Found in wetland habitats, including bogs.
  • Observed growing at a seep above 7000' along Roads End Trail in Oregon.
  • Also noted on the shoreline of Bigleow Lake, Siskiyou.
  • Found across subarctic Canada and in a number of northern States.

Ecological Role

  • An important component of habitat restoration and bank stabilization due to its extensive root system.
  • Can be displaced by cattail invasion following hydrologic disturbance.

Morphological Characteristics

  • A perennial sedge that usually forms a dense tussock of leafy culms.
  • Columnar growth habit with limited width development.
  • May be evergreen.
  • Can grow up to 90 cm tall.
  • Carex lenticularis var. lipocarpa is a caespitose (clump-forming) sedge with slender, erect culms with leaves clustered low.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Part of sedge meadows that can be impacted by cattail invasion.

Further Information

  • Discover Life page about Carex lenticularis: [Discover Life mobile]
  • ABMI Species, version 3.1 (2016-01-07). URL: http://species.abmi.ca/pages/species/vplants/CarexLacustris.html
  • IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™: IUCN 2008: T177140A7375449 (for Carex phacota, mentioned in relation)
  • Field guide to Intermountain sedges. General Technical Report RMS-GTR-10. USDA Forest Service, RMRS, Ogden.