SafePlants

Few-Seeded Sedge: A Detailed Look

This page provides information about several plants referred to as "few-seeded sedge." It's important to note that the common name "few-seeded sedge" can refer to multiple species within the Carex genus.

Considerations for Pets

• Several Carex species can be found in wet areas such as bogs, fens, swamps, marshes, lakeshores, and river banks, potentially areas accessible to pets.

Considerations for Children

• The Iroquois traditionally prepared a decoction of Carex species as an emetic. While this suggests a historical use, it's important to avoid ingesting any part of the plant.

Scientific and Common Names

• The provided text mentions several species referred to as "few-seeded sedge":
  • Carex microglochin: Also known as Few-seeded Bog Sedge, Few-seeded Fen Sedge, and False Uncinia Sedge.
  • Carex oligosperma: Also known as Few-Seeded Sedge, Running Bog Sedge, and Fewseed Sedge.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Carex is a genus belonging to the Cyperaceae (sedge) family.
• Synonyms or related species mentioned include:
  • Carex anthoxanthea
  • Carex aquatilis
  • Carex heteroneura var. chalciolepis
  • Carex lachenalii
  • Carex trisperma
  • Carex flava
  • Carex paupercula
  • Carex prairea
  • Carex atlantica ssp. atlantica
  • Carex magellanica ssp. irrigua

Distribution and Habitat

• Carex microglochin (Few-seeded Bog Sedge) is found in bogs, acidic fens, and wet meadows.
• Carex oligosperma is a common sedge of bogs, peaty wetlands, and shores of acid lakes. It can also be found in swamps, marshes, lakeshores, and river banks.
• Specific locations mentioned include Minnesota, Kent Bog (OH), and Big Bay on Madeline Island (Apostle Islands).

Ecological Role

• The text indicates that Carex oligosperma is characteristic of bogs, which are nutrient-poor peatlands characterized by acidic, saturated peat.

Morphological Characteristics

• The text mentions that Carex trisperma (Three-seeded Bog Sedge) has a few basal staminate flowers and typically 2-5 perigynia.
• The "few flower sedge" has erect stems, about 1 meter high, with 1-2 leaves.
• The "three-seeded bog sedge" is described as the thinnest of the bog sedges.

Further Information

• USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database is a resource for information and photos.
• iNaturalist.org provides classification and location information.