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eastern star sedge
Scientific Name: Carex radiata
Family: Cyperaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Graminoid
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Eastern Star Sedge (Carex radiata)
Eastern star sedge, scientifically known as Carex radiata, is an attractive native perennial sedge prized for its ornamental value and woodland adaptability.
Considerations for Pets
- This plant forms dense tufts of narrow foliage.
Considerations for Children
- This plant forms dense tufts of narrow foliage.
Common Names
- Eastern Star Sedge
- Straight-styled Wood Sedge
- Stellate Sedge
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Carex radiata (Wahlenb.) Small
- Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge Family)
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Synonyms:
- Carex radiata var. staminata
- Carex rosea var. minor
- Carex rosea var. radiata
- C. rosea
- Order: Cyperales
- Plant Form: Graminoid
Distribution and Habitat
- Eastern star sedge is typically found in forest edges and mesic to moist woods.
- Specific locations mentioned include Wilmette, Chicago, Evanston, Glenview, Skokie, Winnetka, Bloomington, Normal, LeRoy, Peoria, Clinton, and Lincoln in Illinois, Yellowstone Lake State Park in southern Virginia and Long Island.
- It thrives in oak savannahs.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- It is a diminutive perennial sedge that forms dense tufts of narrow foliage.
- The plant typically reaches 1 to 2 feet in height with a similar spread.
- Flowering stems (culms) grow 8 to 30 inches high.
- It forms attractive, dense tufts, creating an ornamental mound.
- The flowers are arranged in spikes.
- Bloom color is green.
Ecological Role
- Sedges, including Eastern Star Sedge, serve as host plants for Skipper butterflies.
- It can be considered an outstanding groundcover.
Growing Conditions
- Soil Type: Moist, rich loamy soils
- Sun Requirements: Part sun to shade
- Moisture: Medium to Moist
- Bloom Time: May-June
Quirky Facts
- The species name "radiata" is believed to derive from the star-like appearance of its inflorescences (flower clusters).
- It is easily confused with Appalachian sedge (Carex appalachica).
- The tip of the female flower is known as the style is straight.
Further Information
- Plant Delights Nursery offers Carex radiata for sale.
- Discover Life has a page dedicated to the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Carex radiata.
- Atlas of the Virginia Flora contains information on Carex radiata.
- Garden Guides provides plant information, identification information, and uses for the Eastern Star Sedge (Radiata).