SafePlants

Velvet Sedge

Velvet sedge refers to several plants in the Carex genus, based on the information we found. It's important to note that multiple species share this common name.

Considerations for Pets

• The velvetstriped grasshopper feeds almost exclusively on grasses and sedges, so this plant can be a food source for them.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

• Scientific Name: Based on the information, the scientific names Carex dasycarpa Muhlenberg and Carex vestita Willd. can both be associated with the common name Velvet Sedge.
• Common Name: Velvet Sedge
• Other Common Names: Sandy Woods Sedge
• Taxonomic Status: Genus, Carex L.
• Synonyms/Related Names: Velvet-fruited Sedge, Stiff Sedge

Distribution and Habitat

• One species of Velvet Sedge (likely Carex dasycarpa based on the context) is centered in the mid-Atlantic states but also found in New England.
• Another species of Velvet Sedge (Carex vestita) is found in open oak forests across much of Massachusetts.
• Grows in open, sandy areas.

Ecological Role

• The plant serves as a food source for the velvetstriped grasshopper, which can be a potentially damaging pest of rangeland.

Morphological Characteristics

• Colonial sedge
• One species, Downy-fruited sedge, has fruits with a covering of tiny hairs that look a little like velvet.

Additional Information

• Carex vestita is considered a "Special Concern" species in North Carolina, requiring attention from the Wildlife Resources Commission.

Further Information

• Discover Life has pages dedicated to the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Carex vestita.