SafePlants

Dry-Spike Sedge (Carex siccata)

Dry-spike sedge, scientifically known as Carex siccata, is a member of the Cyperaceae family (sedge family). This plant is also sometimes referred to as Carex foenea, although Carex siccata is the accepted name.

Common Names

• Dry-spike sedge
• Dryspike sedge
• Hay sedge
• Hillside sedge
• Running savanna sedge
• Sandbank sedge
• Fernald's haysedge
• Dry Land Sedge
• Silvertop Sedge

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Carex siccata Dewey (Accepted Name)
• Synonyms:
  • Carex aenea Fernald
  • Carex foenea var. foenea
• Family: Cyperaceae

Distribution and Habitat

• Dry-spike sedge is found in various locations, including New England, where it is considered local, and the Pacific Northwest.
• It thrives in dry to mesic conditions, often in sunny woods and sandy prairies.
• Specific habitats include dry sandy ground with lichen, open sandy areas, crevices, and thin soil over rock and gravelly calcareous shores.
• Prefers dry sites with acid or neutral soil.

Morphological Characteristics

• Grass-like leaf blades.
• Last year's dead and dry leaf blades are persistent at the base.
• 2 to 4 wheat-like flower spikes with dark-purplish scales.
• The fruit is a dry, one-seeded indehiscent achene or nut.
• Spikelets are linear or oblong, usually compressed.
• The male flowers grow above the female flowers on the same spike.
• Short, native perennial sedge with brown flower spikelets.
• Plaited stems dry to a golden-brown/reddish shade.