SafePlants

Roan Mountain Sedge

Carex roanensis, commonly known as Roan Mountain sedge, is a species of sedge native to the United States.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Carex roanensis F.J. Hermann
• Family: Cyperaceae
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Taxonomic Rank: Species

Distribution and Habitat

• This sedge is found in the southern United States, particularly in areas like Roan Mountain.
• It thrives in high-altitude environments, often above 6,000 feet, within grassy balds and meadows.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Carex roanensis is a graminoid, forming clumps.
• Its flowers are green, yellow, or brown in color.
• It's a perennial sedge with perigynia that has hair and achenes with three sides.

Ecological Role

• It plays a role in grass bald ecosystems alongside other sedges like Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica).
• It's found in Southern Igneous Ridges and Mountains.
• It can be found in areas with Fraser fir, Fraser's sedge, and Fraser's magnolia.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• It coexists with various other plants in its habitat, including hair grass and other sedge species.
• It is observed along with a lone spruce tree at sunset on Round Bald, Roan Mountain.

Further Information

• The USDA Agricultural Research Service has images of this plant.
• Additional information can be found at bioone.org.