SafePlants

Carex subbracteata

Also known as Smallbract Sedge, Carex subbracteata is a perennial graminoid belonging to the genus Carex.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant has leaf blades which may be a physical irritant.
• The plant has small bracts.

Considerations for Children

• The plant has leaf blades which may be a physical irritant.
• The plant has small bracts.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Carex subbracteata Mack.
• Common Name: Smallbract Sedge
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge Family)

Distribution and Habitat

• Carex subbracteata thrives in moist environments.
• It is often found in swamp forests, peat bogs, and sedge meadows.
• Specific locations mentioned include Soquel, CA.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• It is a perennial, meaning it lives for more than two years.
• The plant can grow to a size of 4' h x w.
• It has leaf blades approximately 4' long.
• It has flowers tiny, green tinged with red, all red at maturity, in spikes of small rounded clusters, in axils of small bract-like leaves.
• It has creeping rhizomes (horizontal stems) from which new growth emerges.
• It is considered a graminoid.

Ecological Role

• Sedges, including Carex subbracteata, are significant biodiversity components of temperate terrestrial ecosystems.

Growing Conditions

• Prefers sun to part shade.
• Requires moist soil conditions.
• Water frequently and regularly, every 0-1 weeks.
• The soil should be wet deeply, but avoid wetting the plant itself.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The flowers have a small bract associated with them.

Further Information

• Discover Life offers a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Carex subbracteata.
• ITIS (Integrated Taxonomic Information System) includes Carex subbracteata with TSN 39825.
• CalPhotos has photos of Carex subbracteata.