Family: Cyperaceae
Author: Pollich
Bibliography: Hist. Pl. Palat. 2: 580 (1777)
Year: 1777
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Carex
Vegetable: False
Observations: Europe to Mongolia
Description
The Rare Spring Sedge, known scientifically as Carex ericetorum, is a perennial species belonging to the Cyperaceae family. First documented by Pollich in “Hist. Pl. Palat.” in 1777, this fascinating plant showcases the rich botanical history and the diligent work of early botanists.
Carex ericetorum is distinguished by its slender, delicate appearance, typical of sedges that thrive in temperate regions. Its preferred habitats span across Europe and extend to Mongolia, underscoring its adaptability to a variety of environmental conditions. The plant is usually found in open, well-drained areas, such as meadows, grasslands, and edges of forests, where it contributes to the biodiversity of these ecosystems.
The Rare Spring Sedge is adorned with narrow, grass-like leaves and typically blooms in the spring. Its flowers are inconspicuous but add to the overall charm of natural landscapes, often going unnoticed by casual observers but holding significant importance in their ecosystems. The sedge has a compact growth habit, with slender stems that produce small, spikelet-like flowers.
Ecologically, Carex ericetorum plays a vital role in soil stabilization and as a food source for various insects and wildlife. This plant adds to the structural complexity of plant communities, providing habitat and shelter for numerous small organisms.
Although not widely known or recognized, the Rare Spring Sedge’s subtle beauty and ecological significance make it a noteworthy subject for botanists and nature enthusiasts alike. Integrating this species into efforts aimed at conserving plant diversity can help maintain healthy ecosystems across its range from Europe to Mongolia.
In conclusion, Carex ericetorum is a testament to nature’s ability to flourish across vast geographical areas, adapting to different climates and terrains. The historical documentation by Pollich in 1777 adds a layer of historical significance to this plant, inviting us to appreciate both its past and its continuing role in biodiversity today.
Common Names
Deu: heide-segge
Dan: lyng-star
Swe: backstarr, kanervisara
Nob: bakkestarr
Nno: bakkestorr
Nld: heidezegge
Fin: kanervisara
Fra: laîche des landes
Eng: rare spring-sedge, breckland spring sedge
Sme: dearbmelukti
Cym: hesgen gynnar brin
En: Rare Spring-sedge, Breckland Spring Sedge
Be: Асака верашчатнікавая
Bg: Ерикова острица
Cs: Ostřice vřesovištní
Da: Lyng-star
Nl: Heidezegge
Et: Nõmmtarn
Fi: Kanervisara
Fr: Laîche des landes, Laiche des bruyères, Laîche des bruyères, Laiche des landes
De: Heide-Segge
It: Carice degli ericeti
Lv: Virsāja grīslis
Lt: Šilinė viksva
Se: Dearbmelukti
Nb: Bakkestarr
Nn: Bakkestorr
Fa: کارکس اریکتروم
Pl: Turzyca wrzosowiskowa
Ru: Осока верещатниковая
Sv: Backstarr, Kanervisara
Cy: Hesgen gynnar brin
: Rare spring-sedge
Synonyms
- Carex ericetorum var. alpicola (Schur)
- Carex ericetorum f. nigra (Hülsen ex Asch. & Graebn.)
- Carex ericetorum var. mollior (Andersson)
- Carex ericetorum f. pallescens (Kneuck.)
- Carex ericetorum f. tenella (Grütter)
- Carex membranacea (Hoppe)
- Carex ericetorum f. elongata (Kük.)
- Caricina approximata ((All.) St.-Lag.)
- Carex ericetorum var. strictifolia (Krylov)
- Carex ericetorum var. approximata ((All.) P.Fourn.)
- Carex ericetorum subsp. approximata ((All.) K.Richt.)
- Carex ericetorum subsp. baicalensis (Gorodkov ex V.I.Krecz.)
- Carex ciliata (Willd.)
- Carex approximata (All.)
- Carex approximata f. interrupta ((Peterm.) Soó)
- Carex ericetorum f. membranacea ((W.D.J.Koch) Neuman)
- Carex ericetorum var. aproximata ((All.) K.Richt.)
- Carex brachyphylla (Turcz.)
- Carex paradoxa f. interrupta (Peterm.)
- Carex ericetorum var. membranacea (W.D.J.Koch)
Distribution
- Albania (native)
- Altay (native)
- Austria (native)
- Baltic States (native)
- Belarus (native)
- Belgium (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- Central European Rus (native)
- Czechoslovakia (native)
- Denmark (native)
- East European Russia (native)
- Finland (native)
- France (native)
- Germany (native)
- Great Britain (native)
- Greece (native)
- Hungary (native)
- Italy (native)
- Kazakhstan (native)
- Mongolia (native)
- Netherlands (native)
- North Caucasus (native)
- North European Russi (native)
- Northwest European R (native)
- Norway (native)
- Poland (native)
- Romania (native)
- South European Russi (native)
- Spain (native)
- Sweden (native)
- Switzerland (native)
- Ukraine (native)
- West Siberia (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
Additional Images
Habit
Taken Apr 25, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 25, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 25, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 25, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 25, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken May 23, 2011 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 25, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Apr 25, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 25, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 25, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 25, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 25, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken May 1, 2014 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 7, 2020 by Martine E (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 25, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jul 15, 2001 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Other
Taken Aug 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Aug 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)
© 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/2729081)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:299646-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Carex ericetorum Pollich)
Specifications
Growth habit: Graminoid
Growth
Ph maximum: 5.0
Ph minimum: 4.5
Light: 7
Atmospheric humidity: 5
Soil nutriments: 2