SafePlants

Bicknell's Sedge (Carex bicknellii)

Bicknell's Sedge is a perennial graminoid belonging to the genus Carex. It is also known as Prairie Sedge or Copper-shouldered Oval Sedge.

Considerations for Pets

• This sedge can grow to be 2-3 feet tall, potentially making it accessible to pets.
• It produces flowers and fruits within perigynia (inflated sacs), which are about 6mm long by 4mm wide. These small parts could be a potential choking hazard, especially for smaller animals.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Carex bicknellii Britton
• Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge Family)
• Synonyms: Carex bicknellii var. bicknellii, Carex brevior, Carex bicknellii var. opaca.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the US.
• Prefers prairie habitats.
• Tolerates dry locations better than many other sedges.
• Often found in rain gardens, meadows, and areas requiring drought-tolerant plants.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Perennial sedge, typically 2-3 feet tall.
• Tufted at the base, sending up multiple leafy culms.
• Fertile culms are 3-12 dm (decimeters) in height.
• Actively grows during the spring and fall when soil temperatures are cool.

Ecological Role

• Grows in prairies, where it greens up early in the spring before warm-season grasses.
• Can be found in mesic prairie, wet prairie, and sedge meadow habitats.

Quirky Facts

• Its common name, "Prairie Sedge," comes from its preference for prairie habitats, unlike most sedges, which grow in moist soils and woodlands.
• It is a member of the Ovales section of Carex species, identified by its dense, roundish head of fruits and perigynia.
• The name "Copper-shouldered Oval Sedge" comes from the copper color of the seed heads at certain times of year.

Further Information

• USDA Plants database: USDA Plants
• Michigan Flora: A.A. Reznicek.michiganflora.net (Accessed 4/2014)