Family: Cyperaceae
Author: Scop.
Bibliography: Fl. Carniol., ed. 2, 2: 216 (1771)
Year: 1771
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Carex
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: E. Pyrenees to Russian Far East
Description
The White sedge, scientifically known as Carex alba, is a notable member of the Cyperaceae family. First documented by Giovanni Antonio Scopoli in his renowned work “Flora Carniolica” published in its second edition in 1771, this species is indicative of Scopoli’s extensive contributions to botanical science.
Carex alba is geographically widespread, thriving from the eastern extents of the Pyrenees all the way to the vast terrains of the Russian Far East. This broad range signifies its adaptive capabilities and ecological versatility.
As a sedge, Carex alba is characterized by its grass-like appearance, typically found in moist, well-drained environments, such as meadows, riverbanks, and forested areas. Its distinct features include slender, arching leaves, and compact, clustered flower spikes, which contribute to its ornamental value and ecological importance.
The White sedge plays a critical role in its habitat. It aids in soil stabilization and provides cover and resources for a variety of wildlife, including insects and small mammals. Its presence in diverse regions underscores its resilience and the ecological balance it helps to maintain.
In garden and landscape settings, Carex alba is appreciated for its low maintenance requirements and its ability to add texture and interest to the plant palette. As an underutilized species in horticulture, it holds promise for broader use in sustainable gardening practices.
In summary, Carex alba is a species of sedge that not only embellishes natural landscapes with its subtle beauty but also underpins ecological function across a vast range of territories from Europe to Asia.
Common Names
Dan: hvid star
Deu: weiße segge
Swe: strutstarr
En: White sedge
Ca: Càrex blanc
Zh: 白鳞苔草, 白鳞薹草
Cs: Ostřice bílá
Da: Hvid star
Nl: Witte Zegge
Fr: Laiche blanche, Laîche blanche
De: Weiß-Segge, Weiße Segge
Hu: Fehér sás
It: Carice argentina
Pl: Turzyca biała
Ru: Осока белая
Sv: Strutstarr
Zh-tw: 白鱗苔草
Zh-hant: 白鱗苔草
Uk: Осока біла
Synonyms
- Carex argentea (Vill.)
- Carex ajanensis (Vorosch.)
- Carex duerrnbergeri (Ritzb.)
- Carex alba f. aprica (Kük.)
- Carex inclusa (Turcz. ex Boott)
Distribution
- Altay (native)
- Austria (native)
- Czechoslovakia (native)
- East European Russia (native)
- France (native)
- Germany (native)
- Hungary (native)
- Italy (native)
- Kazakhstan (native)
- Khabarovsk (native)
- Kirgizstan (native)
- Mongolia (native)
- North Caucasus (native)
- North European Russi (native)
- Poland (native)
- Romania (native)
- South European Russi (native)
- Spain (native)
- Switzerland (native)
- Transcaucasus (native)
- Ukraine (native)
- West Siberia (native)
- Xinjiang (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
Additional Images
Fruit
Taken May 1, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 19, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 1, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 19, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 18, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken May 1, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 1, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 19, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 18, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 18, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Mar 19, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 19, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 19, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 18, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 18, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jun 18, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 18, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 18, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 18, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 18, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Dec 26, 2020 by Michel Michel Tantadron (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 31, 2019 by ranaud soter (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 15, 2022 by Bärbel Weber (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 19, 2020 by Gresina (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 9, 2021 by jeremie crespin (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Aug 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Aug 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken May 16, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Alain POIREL (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 31, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Alain POIREL (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)
© 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/2725766)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30265209-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Carex alba Scop.)