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shallow sedge
Scientific Name: Carex lurida
Family: Cyperaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Graminoid
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Carex lurida (Shallow Sedge)
Carex lurida, commonly known as Shallow Sedge, is a perennial sedge found in wet environments across eastern North America.
Considerations for Pets
- Like many sedges, Carex lurida bears interesting fruiting spikes.
Common Names
- Shallow sedge
- Sallow sedge
- Lurid sedge
- Bottlebrush sedge
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Carex lurida Wahlenb.
- Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge Family)
- Genus: Carex
- Species: C. lurida
- NRCS Symbol: CALU5
- ITIS #: 39414
- Synonym: Some references may include Hop Sedge (Carex lupulina) under the name Sallow Sedge.
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to North America, specifically the eastern United States.
- Thrives in wet meadows, marshes, wet woodlands, and forests.
- Typically found in boggy areas, wet ditches, and along pond edges.
- Almost exclusively occurs in wetlands.
Ecological Role
- Provides cover and seeds for waterfowl.
- Serves as a food source for many insects.
- Excellent for wetland restoration.
Morphological Characteristics
- Perennial sedge forming a tuft of basal leaves.
- Reaches a mature height of 1-3.5 feet.
- Mature spread is 3-5 feet.
- Culms are stiff, 3-angled, glabrous (smooth), and unbranched, growing up to 2-3 feet tall.
- Bears interesting fruiting spikes.
Growth Habits
- Cespitose (tufted) growth habit.
- Flowers in the spring.
- May stay green most of the summer.
Quirky Facts
- Carex lurida remains attractive in warm weather, as it does not go dormant in summer.
Further Information
- Toadshade Wildflower Farm (mail order nursery in Frenchtown, NJ)
- Dave's Garden
- Discover Life
- GeoChemBio
- USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
- Brooklyn Botanic Garden New York Metropolitan Flora Project (NYMF)