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spike sedge

Scientific Name: Carex nardina

Family: Cyperaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Graminoid

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Spike-sedge: A Versatile Plant of Wetlands and Beyond

Spike-sedges encompass a diverse group of plants within the Cyperaceae (Sedge) family. This content explores several species, highlighting their unique characteristics and ecological roles.

Scientific Names and Common Names

  • Scientific Name: Carex nardina Fr.
  • Common Names: Spike sedge, bamboo spike sedge, tall spike sedge, giant spike rush, Canadian single-spike sedge, dry spike sedge, hay sedge, hillside sedge, running savanna sedge, sandbank sedge. Other species mentioned include:
    • Eleocharis intermedia (Intermediate Spike-sedge)
    • Eleocharis halophila Fernald & Brackett (saltmarsh spikerush)
    • Eleocharis kuroguwai
    • Eleocharis macrostachya Britton (pale spike-sedge)
    • Eleocharis acuta (sharp spike sedge)
    • Eleocharis sphacelata (Kuta)
    • Eleocharis parvula syn Scirpus parvulus (dwarf spike sedge)
    • Kyllinga nemoralis (Whitehead Spike Sedge, White Kyllinga)

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge Family)
  • Synonyms: USDA Symbol for Carex nardina is CANA2.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Carex nardina: Native to L48 (Continental US), AK (Alaska), and Canada.
  • Canadian single-spike sedge: Found in boreal and subalpine regions, particularly in high-pH bedrock areas, occasionally in Maine and New Hampshire.
  • Eleocharis acuta: Inhabits swampy ground throughout New Zealand.
  • Blunt spikerush: Commonly found in poorly drained soils, levees, shallow ditches, and marshy areas, especially in California.
  • Occurs in Massachusetts.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Dioecious, rhizomatous plants.
  • Stems are erect, tufted, and range from 5-40 cm in height.
  • Leaves are basal and cauline or basal bladeless with blades 1-3 mm wide.
  • Inflorescence consists of a solitary spike bract.
  • Leafless plant, with erect dark-green hollow stems, 30-90 cm in height, spreading to more than 2 m.
  • Flowers are dark brown spikelets 3 cm long and 3-7 mm wide.

Ecological Role

  • Mentioned as an attractive introduced weed (kaffir lily, Schizostylis coccinea) growing alongside spike sedge in a water race.

Additional Information

  • Spikelets are aggregated into a specialized inflorescence type called a "spikelet".
  • Many members of the sedge family have triangular stems.

Resources

  • USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
  • Discover Life
  • Research Commons, Waikato