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Carex macrochaeta

Also known as Longawn Sedge, this plant belongs to the sedge family.

Common Names

• Longawn Sedge
• Alaska Large Awn Sedge
• Large-awned Sedge
• Long-awned Sedge
• Alaska Long-Awn Sedge

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Carex macrochaeta C.A. Mey.
• Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge family)

Distribution and Habitat

• Carex macrochaeta has a circumpolar distribution in the northern hemisphere.
• It has been found in Oregon and Alaska, specifically Attu, Alaska where it was collected in 1993.

Morphological Characteristics

• Carex macrochaeta is described as a colonial perennial sedge.
• It typically grows to a height of 30-110 cm.
• The sedge forms tufts of basal leaves.
• The leaves can be pubescent.
• Pistillate spikelets are drooping on long peduncles.
• Pistillate scales possess a long awn.
• The plant features scaly tan sheaths.
• The leaves are described as scabrous and revolute, giving the appearance of a long awn.
• It is a densely clumped sedge often found in floodplain forests.

Ecological Role

• This sedge can dominate wet meadow ecosystems, as observed in the Northwest Territory.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Carex macrochaeta grows alongside other plants such as Pacific reed grass in certain environments.

Additional Information

• Attu Germplasm: Plant Identification Number: 9097723.