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sanddune sedge
Scientific Name: Carex pansa
Family: Cyperaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Graminoid
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Sand Dune Sedge (Carex pansa)
Carex pansa, commonly known as sand dune sedge, is a species of sedge native to the coast of western North America from British Columbia.
Considerations for Pets and Children
- This plant is a creeping plant.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Carex pansa
- Common Names: Sand Dune Sedge, Pacific Dune Sedge, California Meadow Sedge, Western Meadow Sedge
- Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge Family)
- Synonyms: Carex arenicola, Carex arenicola ssp. pansa
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to the coast of western North America from British Columbia.
- Commonly found creeping through sand dunes at coastal sites.
Ecological Role
- Acts as a pioneer plant, helping to stabilize sand dunes.
- Important in sand dune ecosystems.
- Can be found in acid grey dunes alongside other acid-loving plants like heather, lichens, and mosses.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Very small creeping dune plant.
- Uses underground stems (rhizomes) to spread.
- Leaves make little tufts. The happier the plant, the bigger the lawn it forms.
- Grows 3-5' high, 2-3' wide.
- Has a beautiful creeping habit.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Provides habitat for birds, reptiles, and insects in coastal sand dune environments.
- Grows alongside other dune plants such as Sea Holly (Eryngium maritimum), Marram Grass, and Red Fescue.