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troublesome sedge

Scientific Name: Carex molesta

Family: Cyperaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Graminoid

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: CT (troublesome sedge), NY (troublesome sedge)

       

Troublesome Sedge (Carex molesta)

Carex molesta, commonly known as troublesome sedge or field oval sedge, is a species of sedge found in North America. The plant's Latin and common names reflect its tendency to be a difficult or aggressive plant.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant grows in fields, meadows, and roadsides, areas often frequented by pets.
  • It's a clumping sedge, which may be attractive to animals who like to chew on grass-like plants.

Considerations for Children

  • This plant grows in fields, meadows, and roadsides, areas often frequented by children.
  • The text refers to its aggressiveness, which may mean it is not pleasant to the touch.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Carex molesta Mack. ex Bright
  • Common Names: Troublesome sedge, field oval sedge, pest sedge
  • Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge family)
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Synonyms: (Not explicitly provided, but the text implies there might be other similar Carex species that are difficult to differentiate.)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to eastern and central North America.
  • Grows in varied habitats including wet to dry-mesic prairies, open woodlands, swamps, thickets, and disturbed fields.
  • Commonly found in fields, meadows, and roadsides.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Perennial sedge that forms tufts of leafy culms (stems).
  • Height ranges from 1 to 2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters).
  • Has both fertile and infertile shoots; infertile shoots have more leaves.
  • The sedge is bunched with flowering stems 10-40 inches tall.

Ecological Role

  • Adaptable to a wide variety of habitats, sometimes considered aggressive.
  • Can be considered a troublesome weed, especially in agricultural settings like rice fields (as indicated by references to related species).
  • Popular with many butterfly species.

Quirky Facts

  • The specific epithet "molesta" literally means "troublesome."

Further Information

  • RHS (Royal Horticultural Society)
  • Dave's Garden
  • Discover Life
  • USDA Agricultural Research Service (source of an image by Charles T. Bryson)
  • Morton Arboretum (location of a photograph)