SafePlants

Carex tomentosa

Carex tomentosa, commonly known as Downy-fruited Sedge, is a plant belonging to the Cyperaceae family.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant grows to be between 20 and 40 cm tall.
• The stems are three-sided and rough in the upper part.
• Leaves are flat and stiff and can be up to 2 mm wide.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Carex tomentosa L.
• Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge family)
• Synonyms: Carex filiformis L. (in part, debated)
• Common Names:
  • Downy-fruited Sedge (English)
  • Filz-Segge (German)
  • Filzfrüchtige Segge (German)
  • Lache tomenteuse (French)
  • Viltzegge (Dutch)
  • Luddstarr (Swedish)
  • Filtstorr (Swedish)
  • ost?ice plstnatá / ostrica plstnat (Czech)
• Subspecies: Carex tomentosa subsp. grasmanniana
• Form: Carex tomentosa f. pallida

Distribution and Habitat

• Carex tomentosa is found in meadows and fallow land on calcareous, marly, or schistous soil.
• It is sparsely to rarely found in Central Europe.
• Specific locations mentioned include Steiermark (Austria).

Morphological Characteristics

• The plant grows to a height of 20-40 cm.
• The stem is triangular, rough in the upper part, and has black-red sheaths at the base without a fiber tuft.
• The leaves are up to 2 mm wide, flat, and stiff.
• The utricles (small bladders enclosing the seed) are pubescent (downy).
• It is a rhizomatous plant.

Further Information

• RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) provides help and information on Carex tomentosa.
• WCSP (likely referring to the World Checklist of Selected Plant Families) is mentioned as a source of information.
• Tropicos and IPCN (International Plant Names Index) are mentioned.
• EOL (Encyclopedia of Life) has information about this species.
• Available for purchase on Amazon UK.