SafePlants

Little Green Sedge

Explore the world of Little Green Sedge (Carex viridula), a fascinating plant species with unique characteristics and a widespread distribution. This content provides an overview of its taxonomy, habitat, and other interesting facts.

Scientific and Common Names

• Scientific Name: Carex viridula Michx.
• Common Name: Little Green Sedge
• French Name: carex verdtre
• German Name: Späte Gelb-Segge

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

Little Green Sedge can be found in various locations, including:

• River and lake shores
• Atlantic shores and islands
• New England (with two subspecies present)
• Lakeshores, beach pools, and interdunal swales
• Mackinac County, Michigan, United States
• Ohio (abandoned limestone quarries)

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

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

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Sedge warblers are associated with sedge habitats.
• Used by caddisflies (Trichoptera) for egg-laying.

Further Information

For more in-depth information, you can explore the following resources:

• ARKive (for photos and facts)
• USDA PLANTS Database
• Discover Life
• Dave's Garden (for gardening tips and ideas)
• dict.cc (German-English Dictionary)