SafePlants

Carex fracta and Carex membranacea: A Detailed Look

This page explores two closely related sedge species: Carex fracta and Carex membranacea. Both are known by the common name "fragile sedge" or variations thereof, leading to potential confusion. Let's delve into their characteristics, distribution, and taxonomy.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions Carex eburnea, a sedge related to both C. fracta and C. membranacea, has thin, wiry stems and leaves.

Considerations for Children

• No information regarding considerations for children was found in the text.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

• Scientific Name: Carex fracta Mackenzie, Carex membranacea Hook.
• Common Names: fragile sheath sedge, fragile sedge, fragile-seed sedge, Membranous sedge (English)
• Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge family)
• Genus: Carex L.
• Taxonomic Rank: Species. Mentions of subspecies were found in the original text, but no subspecies were listed specifically.
• Synonyms/Alternative Names: Carex membranacea is sometimes used synonymously with the common name "fragile sedge."

Distribution and Habitat

• Carex fracta is native to the western United States, ranging from Washington to California.
• It is typically found in moist habitats, such as wetlands and ditches. Specific locations mentioned include:
  • Trailhead for Canyon Creek in the Klickitat State Wildlife Area of south-central Washington.
  • Moist ditches of Laurel Road in Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refuge (NWR).
  • High elevations at San Jacinto Mountain.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Carex fracta is described as a fine, hair-like sedge.
• It forms flattened emerald meadows when moist.
• Carex membranacea features a multispicate inflorescence with two staminate spikes and one mature pistillate spike.
• Carex eburnea, a related sedge, is described as short (less than 50 cm) and grows from creeping runners (stolons).

Ecological Role

• Sedges, in general, are found throughout the Arctic, in both terrestrial and aquatic environments.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Sedge Sprite (Family Coenagrionidae) is a type of insect that interacts with sedges. The text mentions that these sprites are fragile and handling them is not recommended.

Further Information

• Discover Life: Offers information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Carex membranacea.
• The Plant List, ToL (Tree of Life), BHL (Biodiversity Heritage Library), WikiSpecies: Mentioned as sources of more information.
• USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An illustrated flora of the northern.
• Dave's Garden: A community forum for sharing gardening tips and ideas.