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Navajo sedge

Scientific Name: Carex specuicola

Family: Cyperaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Graminoid

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: AZ (Navajo sedge)

       

Navajo Sedge (Carex specuicola)

Carex specuicola, commonly known as Navajo sedge, is a rare species of sedge found in a specific region of the United States.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant is grass-like.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Carex specuicola J.T. Howell
  • Common Name: Navajo Sedge
  • Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge Family)
  • Author & Place of Publication: J.T. Howell, Leaflets of Western Botany 5(9): 148-.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to a small section of the Colorado Plateau.
  • Specifically found along the Navajo Nation and in Glen Canyon.
  • Grows in hanging gardens, shady seep-spring pockets, and on vertical pink-red Navajo Sandstone cliffs.
  • Very localized and restricted to seep areas.
  • Often found at elevations of 5,700-6,000 ft./silty soils at shady seeps and springs.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • A graminoid of the genus Carex.
  • Perennial in duration, meaning it grows year after year.
  • Flowers are grouped into 2-4 short, pedunculate spikelets with male and female flowers.
  • Flowers are 8-10 mm in size.

Ecological Role

  • Federally listed as threatened on May 8th.

Resources and Further Information

  • USDA NRCS Plant Guide
  • Navajo Natural Heritage Program
  • Encyclopedia of Life
  • Discover Life