SafePlants

Carex triquetra - Triangular-fruit Sedge

Carex triquetra, commonly known as Triangular-fruit sedge, belongs to the Cyperaceae (Sedge) family.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Carex triquetra Boott
• Common Name: Triangular-fruit sedge
• Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge)

Considerations for Pets

• Many sedges, including Carex triquetra, have triangular stems with defined edges, which could potentially cause minor skin irritation if brushed against.
• The plant produces nut-like or capsule fruits.

Considerations for Children

• Many sedges, including Carex triquetra, have triangular stems with defined edges, which could potentially cause minor skin irritation if brushed against.
• The plant produces nut-like or capsule fruits.

Distribution and Habitat

This sedge is found in rocky soils and has been observed at the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Stems: Typically triangular in cross-section and solid (not hollow). The stems of sedges tend to have defined edges.
• Leaves: Arranged in three ranks.
• Flowers: Arranged in spikes.
• Fruit: A single-seeded nut or achene, sometimes described as a capsule. Fruits can be triangular or lenticular (lens-shaped) in cross-section, and varying in color (brown, dark purple).
• Growth Habit: Perennial and hardy, sometimes forming dense clumps.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Sedge fruits (achenes) are a valuable food source for wildlife, especially ducks.
• Carex trichocarpa (Hairy-Fruited Sedge), is a preferred host plant for other organisms.

Quirky Facts

• The phrase "sedges have edges" is often used as a mnemonic to distinguish sedges from grasses and rushes, referring to the triangular shape of sedge stems.