SafePlants

Two Tooth Sedge (Carex serratodens)

Two Tooth Sedge, scientifically known as Carex serratodens, is a native grass found throughout northern, southern, and central California.

Considerations for Pets

• Many references mention sharp teeth on the plant's perigynia (the structure enclosing the seed). The leaves of some sedges also have sharp edges, described as having "vicious cutting teeth."

Considerations for Children

• Many references mention sharp teeth on the plant's perigynia (the structure enclosing the seed). The leaves of some sedges also have sharp edges, described as having "vicious cutting teeth."

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Carex serratodens
• Common Name: Two Tooth Sedge, Twotooth Sedge, Bifid sedge
• Carex is a large genus within the Cyperaceae (sedge) family, containing almost 2,000 species.

Distribution and Habitat

• Two Tooth Sedge is native to northern, southern, and central California.
• It thrives in moist environments.

Morphological Characteristics

• The defining characteristic of many Carex species, including Carex serratodens, is the perigynium, which forms a beak often divided into two teeth. These teeth sometimes require magnification to see.

Traditional Uses

• Historically, other sedge species have been used to scent hair powders and in tooth powders. Sweet Sedge rhizomes were gathered and used for various purposes.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Evidence from ancient human teeth suggests that grasses and sedges were a food source for early hominins.
• Sedges and grasses, as C4 plants, were part of the diet of humans and their ancestors.

Synonyms

• Sawtooth Sedge