SafePlants

Dwarf Sedge: A Versatile Plant

The name "Dwarf Sedge" refers to several small sedge species. Understanding the specific plant you're interested in is crucial, as characteristics can vary.

Considerations for Pets

• Some varieties, such as Carex and Cyperus haspan, can have rhizomes.

Considerations for Children

• Some varieties, such as Cyperus haspan, can have rhizomes.

Scientific Names and Common Names

• Several species are known by the common name "Dwarf Sedge," including:
  • Carex humilis
  • Carex paupera
  • Carex pumila
  • Acorus gramineus (sometimes called Dwarf Sedge, Japanese Rush, or Japanese Sweet Flag)
• Carex humilis is also known simply as Dwarf Sedge.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Carex humilis is a species within the genus Carex.
• Acorus gramineus belongs to the family Acoraceae.
• Synonyms for dwarf sedge Acorus gramineus include A gramineus var pusillus, A humilis, A pusillus, and A xiangyeus.
• The authority for Carex humilis is Leyss.

Distribution and Habitat

• Carex humilis is native to Western Europe and is found in a few limestone areas in the south of England.
• Carex paupera is native to Australia.
• Carex pumila is another species referred to as Dwarf Sedge.
• Acorus gramineus is native to Japan and Asia.
• Dwarf umbrella-sedge (Fuirena pumila) is found on the coastal plain of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.

Ecological Role

• Dwarf sedge communities are found in various habitats, including:
  • Submontane and montane xeric grasslands of the Adriatic facade of the Balkan peninsula.
  • Ponto-Pannonic riverbank communities on nitrogen-rich muds and inundation zones.
  • Ponto-Pannonic rice-field communities.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Carex humilis is an early flowering sedge that occurs in tufts.
• Carex glauca (Blue Sedge) grows 6-12 inches high and wide with grey-blue foliage.
• Carex conica (Hime Kansugi Dwarf Sedge) grows 6-12 inches high and wide with dark green foliage.
• Carex paupera is a loosely tufted, perennial sedge, to 15 cm tall.
• Carex comans (New Zealand Hair Sedge) reaches 12 inches in height.
• Cyperus haspan is a tender, rhizomatous, tufted, short-lived perennial or annual with upright, three-angled, green stems and umbels, of tiny.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Dwarf sedge can be found in chalk grassland habitats alongside orchid species, clustered bellflower, narrow-leaved sweet briar, and rock rose.

Quirky Facts

• Acorus, commonly called Sweet Flag or Dwarf Sedge, has long been prized in Japanese gardens and has gained acceptance by American gardeners.

Resources and Further Information

• RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) provides information on Carex humilis.
• The Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 lists Carex paupera as Vulnerable.
• The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species provides information on Acorus gramineus.
• The Endangered Resources Program provides information on Dwarf Umbrella-sedge (Fuirena pumila).