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bristlystalked sedge
Scientific Name: Carex leptalea ssp. leptalea
Family: Cyperaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Graminoid
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Carex leptalea: Bristlystalked Sedge
Carex leptalea, commonly known as bristlystalked sedge or flaccid sedge, is a member of the Cyperaceae (Sedge) family.
Common Names
- Bristlystalked Sedge
- Flaccid Sedge
- Bristle-stalked Sedge
- Bristlestalk Sedge
- Delicate Sedge
- Slender Sedge
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Carex leptalea Wahlenb.
- Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge Family)
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Synonym: USDA Symbol: CALE10
- Subspecies:
- Carex leptalea subsp. leptalea
- Carex leptalea var. tayloris B. Boivin nom. inq.
- Carex leptalea ssp. pacifica
Distribution and Habitat
Carex leptalea is native to much of North America. It is often found in wet to moderately wet environments, adaptable to most soils except rocky and strongly acidic ones, and is associated with sedge-dominated fen communities, swamps, and wet hammocks.
- Found in fens, sedge- and rush-dominated wetlands, and northern fens.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Carex leptalea is a graminoid plant with green foliage and green flowers.
- The Pacific bristlystalked sedge exhibits a columnar growth habit, growing erect with scarce lateral development.
- Flower Arrangement: Spike
Ecology
- This sedge is found in sedge-dominated fen communities.
- Often grows alongside tussock sedge (Carex stricta) and other sedges.
- Boardwalks are sometimes used to protect sedges and wildflower associations in areas frequented by visitors.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Sedges, including Carex leptalea, can be habitats for various rare insects.
- Found in butterfly habitats in sedge-dominated fen communities.
Further Information
- USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
- Discover Life
- ResearchGate (for the Technical Conservation Assessment)