SafePlants

Blunt Broom Sedge (Carex tribuloides)

Considerations for Pets

• This plant produces more infertile leafy stems than many other sedges, and more leaves per stem than most.
• It is a member of the sedge family, and is often found in moist environments.

Scientific Classification

• Scientific Name: Carex tribuloides Wahlenb.
• Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge Family)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Genus: Carex L.
• Species: tribuloides
• Subspecies: Carex tribuloides var. tribuloides and Carex tribuloides var. sangamonensis Clokey
• USDA Symbol: CATR7

Common Names

• Blunt Broom Sedge
• Marsh Straw Sedge
• Awl-fruited Oval Sedge
• Bristlebrackt Sedge
• Narrow-leaved Oval Sedge
• Quill Sedge

Synonyms

• Carex tenera (Note: This is listed in the context of alternative names, but might be referring to a different plant)

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to North America (L48 according to USDA Native Status)
• Common in wet woodlands, areas adjacent to semi-shaded vernal pools, moist meadows, wet prairies, bottomland prairies, upland prairies, around ponds and marshes, and roadsides.
• Found in Caroline Co., Maryland and Allegany County, Maryland.
• Also listed to have a presence in Idaho.

Morphological Characteristics

• Perennial sedge
• Height: 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters)
• Spread: 1-1.5 feet (0.3-0.45 meters)
• Culms erect or ascending
• Flowering stems terminating in 5 to 10 small, mostly overlapping, spikelets
• Bunch-type sedge

Growing Conditions

• Hardiness Zone: 3-9
• Sun: Full sun to part sun
• Water: Wet to medium
• pH: Strongly acid to neutral (4.6 - 6.9)
• Soil: Sandy loam soil

Quirky Facts

• The specific epithet, tribuloides, contains the Latin words for "bulbous-like," possibly referring to the plant's appearance.

Ecological Role

• Significant wildlife value

Further Information

• USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
• Go Botany: New England Wild Flower Society
• Illinois Wildflowers
• Integrated Taxonomic Information System
• Discover Life
• Dan Nickrent's website: www.phytoimages.siu.edu