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little green sedge

Scientific Name: Carex viridula

Family: Cyperaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Graminoid

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: CT (little green sedge), IL (little green sedge),

       

Little Green Sedge: A Detailed Look

Let's delve into the world of the Little Green Sedge, a fascinating plant with a wide distribution and interesting ecological roles.

Considerations for Pets and Children

  • This plant forms clumps or mats, and has small, yellowish-green seedheads, which may pose a choking hazard for small children or pets.
  • The culms are described as 3-angled, which could present sharp edges.

Scientific and Common Names

  • Scientific Name: Carex viridula Michx.
  • Common Name: Little Green Sedge
  • Other Names: Greenish sedge, carex verdtre
  • German: Spte Gelb-Segge
  • Czech: Ost?ice pozdní
  • Slovak: Ostrica Oederova
  • Polish: Turzyca Oedera

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge Family)
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Synonyms:
    • Carex chlorophila Mackenzie (in part)
    • Carex chlorophylla Mackenzie (in part)
    • Carex oederi auct. non Retz.
    • Carex oederi Retz. ssp. viridula (Michx.) Hultn
  • Subspecies:
    • Carex viridula ssp. viridula
    • Carex viridula var. elatior

Distribution and Habitat

  • Found on river and lake shores, as well as Atlantic shores and islands.
  • Prefers lakeshores, beach pools, and interdunal swales, often in very early successional wetland habitats.
  • Two subspecies are present in New England.
  • Observed in Mackinac County, Michigan, United States.
  • Also found in abandoned limestone quarries in Ohio.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Forms clumps or mats.
  • Consists of a tuft of leafy culms about 1 foot tall.
  • Both fertile and infertile shoots are present.
  • Culms are light green and 3-angled.
  • Perigynia and foliage often olive or dark green.
  • Culms often arcuate or sinuous.
  • Staminate spikes on peduncles 3–28 mm.
  • Small, yellowish green seedheads.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • The plant is mentioned in relation to sedge warblers and reed warblers, suggesting its habitat supports these bird species.
  • Also associated with caddisflies (Trichoptera), with mentions of "Little Black Caddisflies" and "Green Sedge Pupa" used in fishing.

Resources and Further Information

  • ARKive
  • USDA Plants Database
  • Discover Life
  • Dave's Garden