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fox sedge

Scientific Name: Carex vulpinoidea var. pycnocephala

Family: Cyperaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Graminoid

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Fox Sedge (Carex vulpinoidea) and True Fox Sedge (Carex vulpina)

This page provides information about two closely related sedges: Fox Sedge (Carex vulpinoidea), also known as American Fox-sedge, and True Fox Sedge (Carex vulpina). Because of their similarities, correct identification can be challenging, even for experts.

Considerations for Pets

  • Bristle-like long flowering structures.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Carex vulpinoidea (Fox Sedge/American Fox-sedge) and Carex vulpina (True Fox-sedge)
  • Common Names: Fox Sedge, Common Fox Sedge, Brown Fox Sedge, True Fox Sedge
  • Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge family)
  • Synonyms: Mentions confusion with Carex otrubae (False Fox-sedge) and their classification in western Europe and the British Isles.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Carex vulpinoidea is native to North America, including most of Canada and the United States, and parts of Mexico. It has also been introduced to Europe and New Zealand.
  • Carex vulpina is associated with wetland habitats in Palaearctic formations.
  • Both species are commonly found in wetland habitats such as floodplain meadows, ditches, ponds, and rivers. They thrive in wet to moist soils.

Ecological Role

  • Carex vulpinoidea can be weedy in some areas, particularly in disturbed sites. However, it's also valuable for wetland restoration projects.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Both species are densely tufted perennial plants.
  • Carex vulpinoidea grows to be 1-3 feet tall, forming dense clumps of leaves and flowering culms. Clumps can reach up to 2 feet in diameter and height.
  • Carex vulpinoidea culms are light green, 3-angled, and glabrous.
  • Carex vulpina has stems with scarcely winged angles.
  • Both species have flower spikes or panicles that vary in color, including yellow, green, and brown. The fruiting heads of Fox Sedge are described as fine-textured and bristly, resembling a fox's tail.
  • Leaves of Carex vulpinoidea are 2-5 mm wide with papery, cross-wrinkled sheaths.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Fox sedge may not attract as many insects as other plants.
  • One mention is made of a Cranefly (Tipula oleraceae) on a sedge.

Quirky Facts

  • The fruiting heads of Carex vulpinoidea resemble a fox's tail.

Further Information

  • Encyclopedia of Life