SafePlants

Carex striata (Walter's Sedge)

Carex striata, commonly known as Walter's sedge, is a perennial graminoid found in various habitats.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant is grass-like and narrow-leaved, which may be attractive to some pets.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Carex striata Michx.
• Common Name: Walter's Sedge
• Family: Cyperaceae
• Synonym: Carex walteriana

Distribution and Habitat

• Walter's sedge is rare in New England, marking the northern limit of its distribution along the eastern seaboard.
• It thrives in peaty swamps.
• Observed in Woodland Township, New Jersey, USA (Lat: 39.82, Long: -74.53).

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• It is a pale-green, narrow-leaved, grass-like perennial.
• Often forms extensive growth.
• Some forms have broad leaves, resembling small lance-leaved hostas.

Ecological Role

• Host plant for larvae of certain species, specifically various sedges of the genus Carex, including Carex lupuliformis and Carex walteriana.
• Dense sedge populations can influence the establishment and growth of tree regeneration.

Subordinate Taxa

• Carex striata Michx. var. striata
• Carex striata var. brevis Bailey

Quirky Facts

• The text references a botanical workshop for field identification of sedges, grasses, and rushes, suggesting the plant's importance in botanical education.
• The text also references an Egyptian hieroglyph representing a sedge.

Further Information

• Discover Life offers a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Carex striata.
• Information and planting care instructions are available from real gardeners.
• The USDA Agricultural Research Service has images of Carex striata flowers.