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Walter's sedge
Scientific Name: Carex striata var. striata
Family: Cyperaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Graminoid
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Carex striata - Walter's Sedge
Carex striata, commonly known as Walter's Sedge, is a grass-like perennial found in various habitats. It is also known as Peatland Sedge.
Considerations for Pets
- This plant has narrow leaves and could be mistaken for grass by pets.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Carex striata Michx.
- Family: Cyperaceae
- Synonym: Carex walteriana
- Subordinate Taxa: Carex striata Michx. var. striata, Carex striata var. brevis Bailey
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
- Walter's Sedge is a pale-green, narrow-leaved, grass-like perennial.
- It often forms extensive growths.
- It can be mistaken for a broad-leaved form of deciduous sedge, or even a small lance-leaved hosta.
Ecological Role
- Larvae of certain species use various sedges of the Carex genus as host plants, including Carex lupuliformis, Carex walteriana, and Carex striata.
- Dense sedge populations can influence the establishment and growth of tree regeneration.
Quirky Facts
- At first glance, you might take this plant to be a small lance-leaved hosta, but it's actually a broad-leaved form of deciduous sedge.
Further Information
- Discover Life offers a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Carex striata.
- Information and care instructions are available from real gardeners.
- Additional details and images can be found at USDA Agricultural Research Service.