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upright sedge
Scientific Name: Carex stricta
Family: Cyperaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Graminoid
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Carex stricta: Upright Sedge and Tussock Sedge
Carex stricta, commonly known as upright sedge or tussock sedge, is a grass-like perennial often found in wetland environments. It can be challenging to differentiate from other similar sedge species.
Considerations for Pets
- This sedge can form large tussocks or hummocks, potentially posing a tripping hazard for smaller animals.
- Some sedge species have sharp edges on their leaves. While not confirmed for Carex stricta, it's a possibility.
Considerations for Children
- This sedge can form large tussocks or hummocks, potentially posing a tripping hazard for smaller children.
- Some sedge species have sharp edges on their leaves. While not confirmed for Carex stricta, it's a possibility.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Carex stricta Lam.
- Common Names: Upright sedge, Tussock sedge, Stiff sedge, Hummock sedge
- Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge Family)
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Synonyms: Carex strictior
- Taxonomic Rank: Species
Distribution and Habitat
- Carex stricta is typically found in wetland and wet grassland habitats.
- It is known to grow in locations such as the British Isles and Northern Virginia.
- It thrives in conditions ranging from full sun to semi-shade.
- It tolerates neutral to calcareous soils and extremely acidic to neutral pH levels.
- It often grows along springy edges of lakes and streams and in prairie fens.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- It is a grass-like perennial that can be difficult to distinguish from other sedges.
- Mature height is typically between 1-3.5 feet, and mature spread is 2-3 feet.
- It is a tufted sedge that commonly forms tussocks (hummocks). These tussocks can reach 8 inches or more in height.
- Leaves are slender and upright, often bright yellow-green and grass-like.
- Some varieties have upright to spreading foliage, and others can have leaves with a dark green central stripe and a thin border.
- Flowers are feathery.
- It has short underground rhizomes.
- The base of the fertile culm has a conspicuous bladeless sheath and ladder-like arrangement of fibers.
Ecological Role
- It is a component of the Northern Virginia Foodweb.
- It provides perches for wallum sedge frogs.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- It can be affected by various pests and problems (as noted by external sources).
- It is a host plant for some insects in the MSU Department of Entomology project.
Further Information
- Encyclopedia of Life contains articles and comprehensive descriptions of Carex stricta.
- Dave's Garden provides a community forum for sharing tips and ideas related to gardening, including sedges.
- Rob Routledge at Sault College has images of Carex stricta spikelets available.
- National Fish and Wildlife provides funding support for research on this species.