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variable sedge
Scientific Name: Carex polymorpha
Family: Cyperaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Graminoid
Duration: Perennial
Other Names: CT (variable sedge), MA (variable sedge), MD (vari
Variable Sedge (Carex polymorpha)
Variable sedge, scientifically known as Carex polymorpha, is a fascinating plant belonging to the Sedge Family (Cyperaceae). It's also sometimes referred to as Variable Sword-sedge. This species demonstrates the complexity and diversity within the plant kingdom.
Considerations for Pets
- This plant is grass-like and grows from rhizomes, which could be tempting for pets to dig or chew.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Carex polymorpha Muhl.
- Common Name: Variable Sedge
- Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge Family)
- Genus: Carex L.
Distribution and Habitat
- Variable sedge has a restricted distribution along the Eastern Seaboard of the United States, from Maine to Virginia.
- It is found on well-drained sandy soils.
- It is considered rare or endangered within its range.
- There are no known populations within New York today, but there are historical sites. Extensive surveys of the Long Island locations have failed to locate this Variable Sedge.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Variable sedge is described as a vigorous, grass-like herbaceous perennial plant.
- It grows from large rhizomes (rooting underground stems).
- Some Carex species have rigid, erect culms that are flat to slightly convex, or concavo-convex.
Conservation Status
- Pennsylvania: Endangered
- State Status: S2 (imperiled)
- Global Status: G3 (vulnerable)
- New Jersey: State-listed Endangered, State Conservation Rank: S1, Federally-listed: None.
Genetic and Cytological Information
- The text mentions "Dynamics of chromosome number and genome size variation in a cytogenetically variable sedge (Carex scoparia var. scoparia, Cyperaceae)" and "Species coherence in the face of karyotype diversification in holocentric organisms: the case of a cytogenetically variable sedge (Carex…)."
- This suggests that there is significant genetic variability within some sedge species, including variation in chromosome number and genome size. This variation can occur even within the same species or variety (e.g., Carex scoparia var. scoparia).
Related Species
- The text also mentions:
- Carex pseudocyperus L. (Cyperus-Like Sedge)
- Carex retrorsa Schwein. (Backward Sedge)
- Carex typhina Michx. (Cat-Tail Sedge)
- Carex viridula
- Cyperus difformis (Variable Flat-sedge)
- Carex exaltatus (Tall Flat-sedge)
Further Information
- Discover Life hosts a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Carex polymorpha.
- Encyclopedia of Life includes names and articles about Carex polymorpha.
- New England Plant Conservation Program: Conservation and Research Plan.
- NJDEP: Variable Sedge fact sheet.