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blister sedge
Scientific Name: Carex vesicaria
Family: Cyperaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Graminoid
Duration: Perennial
Other Names: MD (inflated sedge)
Carex vesicaria: Bladder Sedge and Blister Sedge
Carex vesicaria, a sedge with a wide distribution, is commonly known as bladder sedge or blister sedge.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Carex vesicaria L.
- Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge family)
- Synonyms: Carex inflata, Carex exsiccata (referred to as Western Inflated Sedge in synonymy), Carex vesicaria var. distenta, Carex vesicaria var. monile, and Carex vesicaria var. raeana.
Distribution and Habitat
Carex vesicaria is an essentially Holarctic species, indicating a distribution across the northern regions of the world. It is native to northern North America and can be found in vernal riparian areas (areas along rivers or streams that are wet in the spring).
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- The plant features male (upper) and female (lower) spikes.
- It is described as a perennial sedge.
Genetic Information
- The chromosome number (2n) for Carex vesicaria has been recorded as 74 or 82.
Ecological Role
Carex vesicaria is associated with plant communities including tree willow (Salix arbusculoides) and Drummond's willow (Salix drummondiana).
Traditional Uses
The dried fibers of Carex vesicaria have been used as thermal insulation.
Further Information
- NRCS Symbol: CAVE6
- ITIS #: 39467
- USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database