Bird-foot sedge (Carex ornithopoda, Sp. Pl., ed. 4, 4: 255 (1805))

Family: Cyperaceae

Author: Willd.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl., ed. 4, 4: 255 (1805)

Year: 1805

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Carex

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe to Türkiye

Description

Bird-foot sedge, also known scientifically as Carex ornithopoda, is a captivating perennial plant belonging to the Cyperaceae family. First described by the renowned botanist Willd. in the fourth edition of “Species Plantarum” in 1805, this sedge has wound its way through the diverse landscapes of Europe all the way to Türkiye.

This species, gracefully occupying habitats ranging from meadows to woodlands, displays a nuanced charm reminiscent of delicate artistry found in nature. The common name “Bird-foot sedge” is inspired by the distinctive shape of its inflorescence, which bears a unique resemblance to the foot of a bird. The narrow, arching leaves and the compact, tufted nature of the plant add to its notable aesthetic appeal.

Carex ornithopoda thrives in environments that offer moist, well-drained soils, often favoring sunny to partially shaded spots where it can establish its intricate root systems. Its resilience and adaptability make it a significant species within its ecological niche, playing an essential role in the habitat’s biodiversity.

In addition to its ecological contributions, Bird-foot sedge is admired for its subtle beauty in garden settings, where it is valued for its ornamental qualities. Landscapers and gardeners often employ it to create low-maintenance, yet visually appealing ground covers that mirror natural settings.

The distribution of Carex ornithopoda from Europe to Türkiye suggests a wide adaptability to various climates and terrains, although the specifics of its growth conditions can vary. Typically, it blooms in the spring to early summer, showcasing small, inconspicuous flowers that may go unnoticed by the untrained eye but are crucial for the species’ reproduction and continuity.

Bird-foot sedge’s quiet presence in the natural world, coupled with its botanical significance, makes it a plant worth acknowledging not only for its own sake but for the intricate role it plays in weaving together the rich tapestry of its native ecosystems.

Common Names

Deu: vogelfuß-segge
Eng: bird-foot sedge, bird’s-foot sedge
Nob: fuglestarr
Nno: fuglestorr
Swe: fågelstarr, räpyläsara
Fra: laîche pied-d’oiseau
Lav: pleznveida grislis
Fin: räpyläsara
Sme: fihččolukti
Cym: hesgen droediar, hesgen troed aderyn
En: Bird-foot sedge, Bird’s-foot Sedge
Be: Асака птушканожкавая
Cs: Ostřice ptačí nožka
Nl: Vogelpootzegge
Et: Varvastarn
Fi: Räpyläsara
Fr: Laîche pied-d’oiseau, Laiche Pied-d’oiseau
De: Vogelfuß-Segge
It: Carice pie d’uccello, Carice pié-d’uccello
Lv: Pleznveida grīslis, Pleznveida grislis
Se: Fihččolukti
Nb: Fuglestarr
Nn: Fuglestorr
Pl: Turzyca ptasie-łapki
Ru: Осока птиценожковая
Sv: Fågelstarr, Räpyläsara
Cy: Hesgen troed aderyn, Hesgen Droediar

Synonyms

• Carex digitata var. ornithopoda ((Willd.) DC.)
• Carex digitata subsp. ornithopoda ((Willd.) Bonnier & Layens)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Corse (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Norway (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Jun 23, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude Bouzat (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 23, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude Bouzat (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 23, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude Bouzat (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 2, 2022 by Jim Knopf (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Mar 5, 2022 by Gerd Buck (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 7, 2022 by neslihan sulejman (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 4, 2021 by Marco Elerdini (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 2, 2022 by Jim Knopf (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 2, 2022 by Jim Knopf (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jul 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Mar 11, 2022 by Giardini Tropical (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 8, 2022 by Annemarie Ahrens-Stehle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 27, 2021 by Fitzharaldo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 15, 2022 by Jenny Genelé (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 15, 2003 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

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

Taken Mar 8, 2022 by Annemarie Ahrens-Stehle (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Apr 23, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Hugues TINGUY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 23, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Hugues TINGUY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 27, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu MENAND (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2722950)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:301357-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Carex ornithopoda Willd.)

Specifications

Growth

Bloom months: [‘apr’, ‘may’, ‘jun’]