SafePlants

Mountain Sedge: A Versatile Plant of Diverse Habitats

Mountain sedge encompasses several species within the Carex genus, a large group of flowering plants known for thriving in a variety of environments. This overview compiles information about several plants referred to as "Mountain Sedge," including their distribution, characteristics, and ecological roles.

Considerations for Pets

• Sedges, like grasses, have leaf blades. Some references mention that the dry leaf blades from the previous year can persist at the base of the plant.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Several species are referred to as Mountain Sedge, including:
  • Carex scopulorum T. Holm
  • Carex montana
  • Carex roanensis F.J. Hermann
  • Carex geophila
  • Carex rigida
• Common Name: Mountain Sedge, Roan Mountain Sedge, White Mountain Sedge, Stiff Mountain Sedge
• Order: Cyperales (Grasses/Sedges)
• Family: Cyperaceae (Sedges)
• Taxonomic Rank:
  • Species (e.g., Carex geophila)
  • Variety (e.g., Carex scopulorum var. bracteosa)

Distribution and Habitat

• Mountain sedges are found in a range of habitats, including:
  • Mediterranean forests
  • Mountain grasslands
  • Moorlands
  • Mountains (alpine and subalpine zones)
  • Parklands
  • Swamps
  • Wet heaths
• Specific locations mentioned:
  • Southern and central Colorado mountains
  • Eastern Utah mountains
  • Cascade Mountains of Oregon and Washington
  • Northern, southern, and central California
  • Roan Mountain

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Superficially, sedges resemble grasses.
• Sedges often form lawns or meadows.
• Many sedges have triangular stems, unlike the round stems of many grasses.
• Some species, like Carex saximontana (Rocky Mountain Sedge), are bunched perennials with flowering stems up to 14 inches tall.
• Leaf blades can persist from the previous year, remaining dead and dry at the base of the plant.
• Some have wheat-like flowers.

Ecological Role

• Mountain sedges play a role in various ecosystems, including mountain meadows alongside fescue, matgrass, Bromus, and Poa species.
• They can be affected by factors like nitrogen deposition and grazing in heath environments.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• In some areas, mountain sedge grows alongside alpine bistort and willowherb, providing habitat for wildlife like golden eagles, buzzards, kestrels, curlews, hooded crows, foxes, and mountain hares.

Further Information

• RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) provides information on Carex montana.
• Endangered Resces Program offers information on Rocky Mountain Sedge (Carex backii).
• TERMIUM is the Government of Canada's terminology and linguistic data bank.