Alaska brownish sedge (Carex brunnescens, J.B.A.M.de Lamarck, Encycl., Suppl. 3: 286 (1813))

Family: Cyperaceae

Author: (Pers.) Poir.

Bibliography: J.B.A.M.de Lamarck, Encycl., Suppl. 3: 286 (1813)

Year: 1813

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Carex

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Temp. Northern Hemisphere

Description

The Alaska brownish sedge, scientifically known as Carex brunnescens, is a perennial plant belonging to the Cyperaceae family. Originally described by J.B.A.M. de Lamarck in 1813, and later attributed with its current scientific nomenclature by Poir., this resilient sedge is well-adapted to the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.

Distinguished by its modest stature and preference for moist, shaded environments, Carex brunnescens thrives in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, forested areas, and alongside streams and rivers. The species exhibits a distinctive brownish hue which is a notable characteristic that contributes to its common name. The plant’s narrow, grass-like leaves and inconspicuous flowers enable it to blend seamlessly with its surroundings, offering subtle yet vital contributions to the ecosystem.

From an ecological perspective, the Alaska brownish sedge plays a crucial role in preventing soil erosion, maintaining water quality, and providing habitat for various wildlife species. Moreover, its widespread presence across the Northern Hemisphere underscores its adaptability and ecological importance.

In summary, Carex brunnescens is not only a testament to the intricate beauty and diversity within the Cyperaceae family but also a vital component of the ecosystems it inhabits.

Common Names

Eng: brownish sedge, brown sedge
Deu: bräunliche segge
Dan: sæter-star
Swe: nickstarr, polkusara
Fin: polkusara
Nob: seterstarr
Nno: seterstorr
Sme: bálggeslukti
Fra: carex brunâtre
En: Alaska brownish sedge, Brownish sedge, Brown sedge
Da: Sæter-star
Fi: Polkusara
Fr: Carex brunâtre, Laiche brunâtre, Laîche brunâtre, Laiche brunissante, Laîche brunissante
De: Bräunliche Segge
It: Carice brunastra
Se: Bálggeslukti
Nb: Seterstarr
Nn: Seterstorr
Sv: Nickstarr, Polkusara

Synonyms

• Vignea brunnescens ((Pers.) Soják)
• Carex curta var. brunnescens (Pers.)
• Facolos brunnescens ((Pers.) Raf.)
• Carex canescens subsp. brunnescens ((Pers.) Asch. & Graebn.)
• Carex canescens var. brunnescens ((Pers.) W.D.J.Koch)

Distribution

• Alaska (native)
• Alberta (native)
• Altay (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• California (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Delaware (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Greenland (native)
• Iceland (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Irkutsk (native)
• Italy (native)
• Japan (native)
• Kamchatka (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Khabarovsk (native)
• Korea (native)
• Krasnoyarsk (native)
• Kuril Is. (native)
• Labrador (native)
• Magadan (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mongolia (native)
• Montana (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Northwest Territorie (native)
• Norway (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Nunavut (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Poland (native)
• Primorye (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sakhalin (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Utah (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• Washington (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Yakutskiya (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Yukon (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jul 14, 2020 by Sergio Moliner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2020 by Cédric MALANDAIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 22, 2010 by EOL − Andrew Gardner (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Mar 23, 2010 by EOL − Andrew Gardner (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Mar 23, 2010 by EOL − Andrew Gardner (cc-by-nc-sa)

Flower

Taken Jul 15, 2021 by Patrick Nard (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 14, 2020 by Sergio Moliner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 23, 2010 by EOL − Andrew Gardner (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 16, 2010 by EOL − Michael Wunderli (cc-by)

Fruit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 22, 2010 by EOL − Andrew Gardner (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Mar 16, 2010 by EOL − Andrew Gardner (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Other

Taken Jul 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 23, 2010 by EOL − Andrew Gardner (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Mar 22, 2010 by EOL − Andrew Gardner (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 3, 2010 by EOL − Andrew Hipp (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 16, 2010 by EOL − Michael Wunderli (cc-by)

© 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/2728226)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:298964-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Carex brunnescens (Pers.) Poir.)

Specifications

Growth