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northern singlespike sedge

Scientific Name: Carex scirpoidea ssp. scirpoidea

Family: Cyperaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Graminoid

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Northern Single-spike Sedge: *Carex scirpoidea* ssp. *scirpoidea*

Explore the characteristics and ecological role of the Northern Single-spike Sedge (*Carex scirpoidea* ssp. *scirpoidea*), a fascinating member of the sedge family.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: *Carex scirpoidea* ssp. *scirpoidea*
  • Common Names: Northern Single-spike Sedge, Canadian Single-spike Sedge, Downy Sedge, Scirpus-like Sedge, Western Single-spiked Sedge
  • Symbol: CASC10
  • Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge Family)
  • Group: Monocot
  • Informal Taxonomy: Plants, Vascular - Flowering Plants - Sedge Family
  • Synonyms: *Carex scirpoidea* Michx.

Distribution and Habitat

  • The Northern Single-spike Sedge is a northern or montane plant.
  • It is native to Alaska (AK), Canada (CAN), and the Northern Great Lakes region (GL).
  • Some populations are found in alpine or cool northern environments.
  • It has been observed growing on gravel bars.
  • In the US, the northern single-spike sedge can be found in Alberta and south to North Dakota, northern Wyoming, and Utah.
  • Occurs in acidic bedrock outcrops in Ontario.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Duration: Perennial
  • Growth Habit: Graminoid
  • Reaches an average height of 18 inches (45 cm).
  • Has a long, horizontal rhizome from which it puts up occasional stems with a single few-flowered spike per stem.
  • The single spike remains erect in fruit and lacks involucral bracts. The uppermost stem sheath is also a key feature.
  • Composed of a single spike 5 to 25 cm long, with the top half being male (a normal male sedge spike) and the lower half consisting of about three to ten female flowers.

Ecological Role

  • In Alaska, sedges like the northern single-spike sedge are diagnostic of different wetland types.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Often found in habitats with sedges, low and dwarf shrubs, and graminoids interspersed with forbs.

Further Information

  • USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
  • Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An illustrated flora of the northern United States, Canada and the British possessions.