SafePlants

Nebraska Sedge (Carex nebrascensis)

Carex nebrascensis, commonly known as Nebraska sedge, is a native perennial plant found in various habitats across western North America.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Carex nebrascensis Dewey
• Common Name: Nebraska sedge
• Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge Family)
• Synonyms:
  • Carex jamesii (mentioned as a synonym but context unclear)
  • Carex nebrascensis var. eruciformis (mentioned as a synonym but context unclear)

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the western and central United States, and into central Alberta, Canada.
• Common in sagebrush areas and wet meadows.
• Frequently found in riparian areas and low valleys.
• Grows well between 4000-8700 foot elevations in Utah.
• Prefers moist to saturated soil conditions, seasonal flooding, and can tolerate alkaline soils.

Ecological Role

• It is an important forage species in meadows of the Western United States.
• The text references a study comparing seeding methods for Carex nebrascensis aimed for wetland restoration.

Morphological Characteristics

• A cool-season, rhizomatous perennial, resembling a grass.
• Forms sod and has long rhizomes.
• Has blue-green leaves and brown and gold seedheads.
• Grows in clumps.
• Leaves grow 1-3' high.
• Forms deep root systems.

Reproduction and Spread

• Reproduces by rhizomes and seed production.
• Spreads at a medium rate.

Uses

• Valuable forage species for wildlife and livestock.

Further Information

• USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database: https://plants.sc.egov.usda.gov/
• University of Nebraska studies on sedges: University Studies of the University of Nebraska. 4-1-1914. On the Sedges of Nebraska (Family Cyperaceae). John Mallory Bates. University of Nebraska