No images found for this plant ID: 8183.
Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "8183" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.
smooth black sedge
Scientific Name: Carex nigra
Family: Cyperaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Graminoid
Duration: Perennial
Other Names: MI (black sedge), NY (black sedge)
Smooth Black Sedge (Carex nigra)
The Smooth Black Sedge, scientifically known as Carex nigra, is a distinctive species of sedge. Here's what you need to know:
Common Names
- Common sedge
- Black sedge
- Smooth black sedge
- Black flowering sedge
Considerations for Pets
- This is a grass-like plant.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Carex nigra (L.) Reichard
- Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge Family)
- Synonyms:
- Carex acuta (in part; *note that some references may confuse this species with Carex acuta auct. non L.*)
- Carex goodenowii
- Carex nigra var. strictiformis
- Carex vulgaris Fr.
- Carex fusca
Distribution and Habitat
- The eastern limit of its range reaches central Siberia and Turkey.
Morphological Characteristics
- Pistillate scales are dark purple-brown or black, shorter than the perigynia, and have an obtuse, awnless apex.
- The purple-brown to black scales only partially cover the perigynia (sacs surrounding the seeds).
- The blossom is 3-13 cm long, the ear ends are male, two or three female ears are situated under them.
- Semi-evergreen, low mound of narrow, arching, blue-grey leaves.
- Chocolate-brown to black flowers.
- Leaf is dark green, smooth, shiny, and usually shorter than stem.
Additional Information
- The Smooth Black Sedge is a geophyte.
Resources
- Endangered Resources Program (for identification information, photos, and links)
- Discover Life (for biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution information)