Family: Cyperaceae
Author: Lam.
Bibliography: Encycl. 3: 392 (1792)
Year: 1792
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Carex
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: E. Canada to NC. & E. U.S.A.
Description
Plantainleaf sedge, scientifically known as Carex plantaginea, is a notable member of the Cyperaceae family. First described in 1792 by the botanist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck in his “Encyclopédie Méthodique,” this plant has continued to capture the interest of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.
Native to Eastern Canada and the eastern United States, specifically spanning from North Carolina northward, Plantainleaf sedge thrives in its natural habitat. The regions it inhabits typically offer moist, wooded areas, which provide the ideal conditions for its robust growth.
One of the distinguishing characteristics of Carex plantaginea is its broad, vivid green leaves, which bear a striking resemblance to those of a plantain, hence the common name. These leaves can grow up to 12 inches long, creating a lush, ground-covering effect that is both visually appealing and ecologically beneficial. The leaves are accompanied by subtle, inconspicuous flowers and seed heads that add to the plant’s allure without overpowering the delicate aesthetic.
The plant plays a significant role in its ecosystem, offering habitat and food for various wildlife species. Its dense foliage provides shelter for small animals and insects, while the seeds are a source of nutrition for birds and other fauna. Additionally, Carex plantaginea helps prevent soil erosion with its extensive root system, making it a valuable plant for maintaining the integrity of forested environments.
Given its ornamental qualities and ecological benefits, Plantainleaf sedge is not only a subject of academic interest but also a potential candidate for natural landscaping projects aimed at promoting biodiversity and sustainability. Whether in a managed woodland garden or a naturalized area, Carex plantaginea adds both beauty and function to its surroundings.
In summary, Plantainleaf sedge stands out as a plant of significant ecological value and aesthetic appeal, with a rich botanical history that continues to influence its cultivation and conservation in modern times.
Common Names
Eng: plantainleaf sedge, plantain-leaved sedge, plantain-leaved wood sedge, seersucker sedge
Swe: kämpestarr
Fra: carex plantain
En: Plantainleaf sedge, Plantain-Leaved Sedge, Seersucker sedge, Plantain-leaved wood sedge
Zh: 苔草
Cs: Ostřice jitrocelovitá
Da: Vejbred-Star
Fi: Varjosara
Fr: Carex plantain
De: Breitblatt-Segge, Immergrüne Breitblatt-Segge, Wegerich-Segge, Wintergrüne Breitblatt-Segge
Fa: کارکس پلانتاگینئا
Pl: Turzyca babkowata
Sv: Kämpestarr
Zh-tw: 薹草
Synonyms
- Anithista latifolia ((Moench) Raf.)
- Deweya plantaginea ((Lam.) Raf.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Maine (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- New Brunswick (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Québec (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Sep 19, 2020 by Geza Gaspardy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 13, 2022 by Don Sadowsky (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 17, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 13, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 14, 2020 by S sr (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Mar 28, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Mar 15, 2015 by EOL − Matt Rung (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 15, 2013 by EOL − sallen (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 13, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 13, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 13, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Apr 13, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 17, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 13, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 7, 2022 by Sabina Hartmann (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 17, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2723909)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:301610-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Carex plantaginea Lam.)