SafePlants

Wire Sedge (Carex tenax)

Wire sedge is a common name applied to several plants, most notably Carex tenax. It is a member of the Cyperaceae (Sedge) family.

Considerations for Pets

• Some sedges are associated with growing on floating mats along lakes.
• Fly tying hooks, including sedge pupa hooks, are sharp and could be hazardous if ingested.

Considerations for Children

• Fly tying hooks, including sedge pupa hooks, are sharp and could be hazardous if ingested.
• Some sedges are associated with growing on floating mats along lakes.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Carex tenax Chapm.
• Common Names: Wire sedge, slender sedge, woollyfruit sedge, Wire Rapier-sedge, Capitate Wire-sedge, Wire-head Sedge
• Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge family)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Genus: Carex
• Species: lasiocarpa (as referenced alongside wire sedge).
• Subspecies: Mentioned within the provided text
• Synonyms: Carex tenax Chapm. ex Dewey

Distribution and Habitat

• Wire sedge is found in various habitats, including dry woods and on floating mats along lake.
• Eleocharis capitata R. Br. Capitate Wire-sedge is noted to be not common in moist sandy soil.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Wire sedge is a monocot.
• Isolepis sedge forms a short, billowing mound of soft green leaves.

Quirky Facts

• The text makes reference to fly fishing flies and fly-tying hooks shaped like sedges (Sedge Pupa).
• The name "wire sedge" seems to stem from its use in tying (using wire) and wire-like appearance
• The Sedge Wren is often found singing while perched on wire fences.

Related Species

• The text mentions similar species such as:
  • Slender sedge
  • Woollyfruit sedge
  • Wire Rapier-sedge (Lepidosperma semiteres)
  • Capitate Wire-sedge (Eleocharis capitata)
• It also references "Juncas or Rush, also known as wire grass" but notes that it is not actually a grass.