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showy sedge
Scientific Name: Carex spectabilis
Family: Cyperaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Graminoid
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Showy Sedge (Carex spectabilis)
Carex spectabilis, commonly known as showy sedge, is a species of sedge native to northwestern North America.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Carex spectabilis Dewey
- Common Names: Showy Sedge, Northwestern Sedge
- Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge Family)
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to northwestern North America.
- Found in wet soil of meadows or rocky slopes where snow banks linger.
- Grows at elevations ranging from 5800 to 12,000 feet.
- Specifically mentioned in locations such as near Mount Baker, WA, and Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.
Morphological Characteristics
- The plant typically grows to a height of one to two feet.
- The pistillate (female) spikelets are showy and feathery white.
- These mature into chocolate brown seed spikes.
Ecological Role
- Mentioned in association with various plant communities, such as Sitka Valerian/Showy Sedge Communities and Showy sedge-sibbaldia associations.
- Also described as an aquatic emergent.
- May be considered "Troublesome sedge" due to its aggressive nature in open lands.
- Popular with many butterfly species.
Further Information: Discover Life provides a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification and distribution of Carex spectabilis.