Family: Cyperaceae
Author: Muhl. ex Willd.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl., ed. 4, 4: 279 (1805)
Year: 1805
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Carex
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: C. & E. Canada to C. & E. U.S.A.
Description
The Limestone Meadow Sedge, scientifically known as Carex granularis, is a prominent species within the family Cyperaceae. First described in the fourth edition of the seminal botanical work “Species Plantarum” (1805) by Muhlenberg (abbreviated Muhl.) and later elaborated upon by Willdenow (noted as ex Willd.), this plant stands as a significant component of North American flora.
This species is predominantly found in Central and Eastern Canada, extending its range into the central and eastern regions of the United States. The wide distribution of Limestone Meadow Sedge reflects its adaptability to various ecological niches, often thriving in moist, limestone-rich meadows and other similar habitats.
Limestone Meadow Sedge is known for its distinctive sedge characteristics, featuring narrow, grass-like leaves that typically grow in dense clumps. The plant’s stems are generally triangular in cross-section, a common trait among its relatives in the Cyperaceae family. The edges of its leaves are finely serrated, and it exhibits greenish-brown spikelets during its flowering period.
This sedge plays a crucial role in its native ecosystems. It provides habitat and food for various wildlife species, including insects, birds, and small mammals. Moreover, it contributes to soil stability and moisture retention, making it a valuable plant for maintaining the ecological balance in the regions it inhabits.
In summary, Carex granularis, or Limestone Meadow Sedge, is an integral sedge species with a broad distribution across Central and Eastern Canada and the United States. Its ecological significance and adaptability highlight its importance within the Cyperaceae family and the plant biodiversity of its native regions.
Common Names
Eng: limestone meadow sedge, granular sedge, meadow sedge, pale sedge
Fra: carex granuleux
En: Limestone meadow sedge, Limestone-Meadow Sedge, Granular sedge, Meadow sedge, Pale sedge
Fr: Carex granuleux
Synonyms
- Carex haleana (Olney)
- Carex shriveri ((Britton) Britton)
- Carex granularis var. haleana ((Olney) Porter)
- Deweya granularis ((Muhl. ex Willd.) Raf.)
- Carex rectior (Mack.)
- Carex granularis var. shriveri (Britton)
- Carex granularis var. recta (Dewey ex Alph.Wood)
- Carex chalaros (Steud.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maine (native)
- Manitoba (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- New Brunswick (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- North Dakota (native)
- Nova Scotia (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Québec (native)
- Saskatchewan (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
- Wyoming (native)
Additional Images
Fruit
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
Leaf
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2726814)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:20008088-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Carex granularis Muhl. ex Willd.)