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western fox sedge
Scientific Name: Carex vicaria
Family: Cyperaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Graminoid
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Carex vicaria: Western Fox Sedge
Carex vicaria, commonly known as Western Fox Sedge, Dudley's Sedge, or Dense Sedge, is a monocot belonging to the sedge family. It is often confused with other sedges, highlighting the importance of careful identification.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Carex vicaria L.H. Bailey
- Common Names: Western Fox Sedge, Dudley's Sedge, Dense Sedge
- Family: Not explicitly stated in the text, but it belongs to the sedge family.
- Synonyms/Related Species: The text mentions confusion with Carex vulpina (True Fox-sedge) and Carex otrubae (False Fox-sedge), suggesting a close relationship.
Distribution and Habitat
- Carex vicaria is found in the western USA, specifically in California, northward to Washington, and east to Nevada.
- Its habitat includes open, seasonally moist areas.
Ecological Role
- The text mentions that True Fox-sedge (Carex vulpina), a relative, is associated with wetland habitats such as floodplain meadows, ditches, ponds, and rivers. While this refers to a related species, it suggests a similar ecological role for Carex vicaria.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Fox Sedge (species not clearly specified, but likely referring to a related species like Carex vulpinoidea or similar) is described as forming clumps that can reach two feet in diameter and two feet in height.
- The seed heads are brown and yellow, appearing in a spray during midsummer.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- The text mentions it grows in areas where the Southern Marsh Orchid also thrives.
Further Information
- Discover Life offers a page with information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Carex vicaria.