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prickly sedge

Scientific Name: Carex spicata

Family: Cyperaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Graminoid

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Prickly Sedge

The name "Prickly Sedge" is a common name applied to several sedges. This information refers to several species including Carex muricata and Carex echinata.

Considerations for Pets

  • Some sedges, including Prickly Sedge, possess strongly edged leaves.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature:

  • Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge family)
  • Genus: Carex
  • Species (examples):
    • Carex muricata
    • Carex echinata
    • Carex stipata
  • Subspecies (examples):
    • Carex muricata subsp. muricata
    • Carex muricata subsp. pairae
    • Carex muricata subsp. lamprocarpa
    • Carex echinata subsp. echinata
  • Synonyms:
    • Carex cephalantha (for Carex echinata)
    • Carex pairii (synonym to Carex muricata ssp. lamprocarpa)
  • Alternative Scientific Names:
    • Carex divulsa syn C guestphalica
    • Carex spicata
  • Common Names: Prickly Sedge, Large-fruited Prickly-sedge, Small-fruited Prickly-sedge, Bristly Sedge, Muricate Sedge, Star Sedge, Stellate Sedge, Little Prickly Sedge, Awlfruit sedge, Common Fox Sedge.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Prickly Sedge is found throughout the North Temperate Zone, including Europe, North Africa, Siberia, and North America.
  • In Great Britain, it has been recorded in a few locations, including the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
  • It occupies fields, pastures, roadsides, and lawns.
  • May be found on limestone scree.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Prickly sedge forms an open tuft of flowering culms and arching leaves.
  • The flowering culms are more or less erect.
  • Carex stipata (another species referred to as Prickly Sedge) grows to a height of 1.5-3ft and spreads to 3ft.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Carex muricata has feeding and other relationships with other organisms.
  • Wachtliella caricis interacts with Prickly Sedge.

Resources and Further Information

  • RHS (Royal Horticultural Society)
  • Wikipedia
  • BioInfo (www.bioinfo.org.uk)
  • USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
  • Flora of North America Association