SafePlants

Flat-spiked Sedge (Carex planispicata)

Carex planispicata, commonly known as Flat-spiked Sedge, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Cyperaceae family.

Considerations for Pets

• Some sedges, including similar species, can have sharp edges on their leaves.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Carex planispicata Naczi
• Common Name: Flat-spiked Sedge
• Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge, Club- & Spike-Rush Family)
• Plant Form: Graminoid

Description

• Carex planispicata is a herbaceous perennial with flowering stems ranging from 14-58 cm long, growing from short rhizomes.
• The leaves are typically long and flat, though they may be folded, inrolled, channelled, or absent.
• The flowers are small and combined into spikes. In Carex species, the spikes can be separate male and female, gynecandrous (female flowers above male flowers) or androgynous (male flowers above female flowers). The utricles (sac-like structures enclosing the female flower) are relatively flat and may lack beaks.

Distribution and Habitat

• It has been found in Mississippi, United States.
• It grows in well-drained sites.
• Nationally, Flat-spiked Sedge is mainly found in northern England, East Anglia and the West Midlands down to Dorset.

Quirky Facts

• The text mentions that identifying similar species of grasses and sedges can be difficult from photographs alone.
• The text notes that Carex planispicata was described as a new species in 1999 and was previously considered a variety of another Carex species.
• A Kentucky state record of Flat-spiked Sedge was documented at RCRNA from the NE mesic slope of RCRNA.

Further Information

• Discover Life offers pages about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Carex planispicata.