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San Luis Obispo sedge

Scientific Name: Carex obispoensis

Family: Cyperaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Graminoid

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Carex obispoensis - San Luis Obispo Sedge

Carex obispoensis, commonly known as San Luis Obispo sedge or San Luis sedge, is a perennial, grass-like herb native to California.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Carex obispoensis Stacey
  • Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge Family)
  • Genus: Carex L.
  • Synonyms: Element Code: PMCYP039J0

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to California, specifically extending from Baja California north to San Luis Obispo County.
  • Often found in moist areas and stream banks.
  • Grows in the Los Padres National Forest on the western flank of Cuesta Ridge.

Morphological Characteristics

  • A clumping, grass-like plant that can grow up to three feet tall.
  • Evergreen, retaining its green color through spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
  • Rhizomatous, meaning it spreads via underground stems.

Ecological Role

  • Classified as California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2: Plants Rare, Threatened, or Endangered in California and Elsewhere - Fairly threatened in California.

Other Interesting Information

  • San Luis Obispo sedge is considered drought-tolerant and doesn't seem to go dormant like most other sedges.

Further Information

  • California Native Plant Society
  • Discover Life: Discover Life's page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification and distribution of Carex obispoensis
  • Robert Hoover, "The Vascular Plants of San Luis Obispo County, California"
  • ITIS: Carex obispoensis Stacey (TSN 39724)
  • Dave's Garden