SafePlants

Black Sedge

The term "Black Sedge" refers to several taxa, with some common names including scabrous black sedge and blackish sedge. It's important to clarify the specific species when discussing this plant.

Considerations for Pets

• Seedheads are black.
• Foliage is sometimes almost black.
• The text mentions commercial worm farmers use nearly black sedge peat.

Considerations for Children

• Seedheads are black.
• Foliage is sometimes almost black.

Scientific Classification and Nomenclature

• Genus: Carex
• Species: atratiformis
• Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge family)
• Synonyms: Carex nigra (Smooth Black Sedge) is similar but has flowers with only two styles

Distribution and Habitat

• Found in the northern portions of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine (scabrous black sedge).
• Grows in subalpine black sedge fens.
• Found in acidophilous small sedge communities of the alpine and subalpine levels of the Alps and Alpine periphery.
• Cool areas of the world.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Seedheads are black.
• Typically grows 6-12 inches high, but can reach nearly 2 feet in ideal habitats.
• Some varieties have foliage that is almost black.
• Evergreen perennial forming a compact clump of upright or arching, narrow, bright yellow leaves, to 70cm in height, with small blackish flower spikes on erect stems to 45cm in height.

Ecological Role

• Herbaceous wet-meadow species, found in communities such as alpine aster-nearly-black sedge (Aster alpigenus-Carex subnigricans).

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Mentioned in relation to sedge warblers and as food for worms.
• Used in fly fishing to imitate sedges, or caddis, or Trichoptera.

Further Information

• Endangered Resces Program: Provides information on Smooth Black Sedge (Carex nigra).
• NYNHP Conservation Guide - Black Sedge (Carex nigra).

Quirky Facts

• One writer's grandmother was so afraid of snakes that she would almost convulse with revulsion when seeing black sedge.
• Certain commercial worm farmers use nearly black sedge peat as a food source for worms, resulting in black castings.