SafePlants

Smallawned Sedge (Carex microchaeta)

Explore the characteristics and ecology of Carex microchaeta, commonly known as Smallawned Sedge, a perennial graminoid found in various regions.

Considerations for Pets

• As a graminoid, Carex microchaeta has awns (bristle-like appendages), which could present a physical consideration.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Carex microchaeta T. Holm
• Common Name: Smallawned Sedge
• Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge family)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Taxonomic Rank: Species, Subspecies
• Synonyms: None explicitly mentioned in the text.
• Subspecies: Carex microchaeta T. Holm subsp. microchaeta

Distribution and Habitat

• The text mentions its presence in the Spring Flora of McHugh Peak, Southeast Anchorage, Alaska.
• It is found in alpine tundra environments.
• It's mentioned as a dominant sedge in drier alpine communities.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Carex microchaeta is a graminoid, indicating a grass-like morphology.
• It is a perennial plant, meaning it lives for more than two years.

Ecological Role

• In Alaska, sedges like Carex microchaeta are diagnostic of different wetland types.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• It is found alongside species such as alpine sweetgrass (Hierochloe alpina), purple reedgrass (Calamagrostis purpurascens), and timber oatgrass (Danthonia intermedia).
• Other plants found in proximity include one-headed pussytoes, mountain harebell, glaucous gentian, spiked woodrush, and diverse-leaved cinquefoil.

Quirky Facts

• The French translation of "Small-awned Sedge" is "Carex petites soies."

Further Information

• Discover Life offers a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Carex microchaeta.
• Garden Guides provides information on uses and gardening with Smallawned Sedge.
• Vegbank.org is mentioned as a source, with a citation URL provided.