Bristleleaf sedge (Carex eburnea, W.J.Hooker, Fl. Bor.-Amer. 2: 226 (1839))

Family: Cyperaceae

Author: Boott

Bibliography: W.J.Hooker, Fl. Bor.-Amer. 2: 226 (1839)

Year: 1839

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Carex

Vegetable: False

Observations: Subarctic America to N. & E. U.S.A., Mexico

Description

Bristleleaf sedge, scientifically known as Carex eburnea, is a distinctive member of the Cyperaceae family. Described by W.J. Hooker in Flora Boreali-Americana in 1839, this perennial plant is recognized for its fine, thread-like leaves and delicate appearance, which allows it to blend seamlessly into various landscapes.

Native to subarctic America and widely distributed across northern and eastern United States as well as parts of Mexico, bristleleaf sedge thrives in shady, often moist habitats. It is commonly found in woodlands, rocky slopes, and alongside streams, where it forms dense mats that help to stabilize soil and prevent erosion.

One of the key characteristics of Carex eburnea is its foliage. The leaves, typically measuring only a few millimeters in width, have a bristle-like texture, contributing to the plant’s common name. These leaves radiate from the base, creating a compact, grass-like tuft that can add a fine texture to garden settings and natural landscapes alike.

The plant’s flowers, though inconspicuous, are an essential feature for identification. They appear in early to mid-spring, forming small, unassuming spikes. Each flower spike contains unisexual flowers, with male and female flowers often found on separate spikes or different parts of the same spike. This sedge’s reproductive strategy ensures successful pollination and continuation of its species across diverse environments.

Carex eburnea is resilient yet vulnerable to habitat destruction. Conservation efforts are crucial for maintaining its population, particularly in areas where its natural habitat is threatened by development or invasive species. Gardeners and conservationists alike value this sedge not only for its ecological benefits but also for its subtle beauty and adaptability.

In summary, bristleleaf sedge is a testament to the understated elegance of native flora. With a historical botanical description dating back to 1839 by Boott, this sedge continues to be a subject of interest for botanists and plant enthusiasts who appreciate its role in both natural ecosystems and cultivated gardens.

Common Names

Eng: bristleleaf sedge, bristle-leaved sedge, ebony sedge
Fra: carex ivoirin
En: Bristleleaf sedge, Bristle-Leaf Sedge, Bristle-leaved sedge, Ebony sedge
Fi: Rihmasara
Fr: Carex ivoirin

Synonyms

• Carex alba var. setifolia (Dewey)
• Carex alba (Dewey)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Alaska (native)
• Alberta (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Northwest Territorie (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Québec (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Yukon (native)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Aug 12, 2010 by EOL − Kirchner, Natalie (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Sep 11, 2015 by EOL − Charlie Hohn (cc-by-nc)

Taken Feb 14, 2015 by EOL − Christopher Tracey (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 25, 2014 by EOL − Daniel Carter (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 12, 2010 by EOL − Kirchner, Natalie (cc-by-nc-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jan 6, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2021 by Paulina (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2019 by Ryan (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Feb 7, 2016 by EOL − leannewallisbiologist (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 12, 2010 by EOL − Kirchner, Natalie (cc-by-nc-sa)

Fruit

Taken Feb 7, 2016 by EOL − leannewallisbiologist (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 7, 2015 by EOL − cathymtp (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 25, 2014 by EOL − Daniel Carter (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 12, 2010 by EOL − Kirchner, Natalie (cc-by-nc-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:299573-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2727217)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Carex eburnea Boott)

Specifications

Growth