Chaffy sedge (Carex paleacea, Kongl. Vetensk. Acad. Nya Handl. 24: 164 (1803))

Family: Cyperaceae

Author: Schreb. ex Wahlenb.

Bibliography: Kongl. Vetensk. Acad. Nya Handl. 24: 164 (1803)

Year: 1803

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Carex

Vegetable: False

Observations: N. & NE. Europe, C. & E. Canada to NE. U.S.A.

Description

Chaffy sedge, scientifically known as Carex paleacea, is a notable member of the Cyperaceae family. This distinctive plant was first described in the early 19th century, finding its official classification in 1803 as documented in the works of Schreb. ex Wahlenb. within the Kongl. Vetensk. Acad. Nya Handl. This historical text lends an academic anchor to the recognition of this species.

Carex paleacea thrives primarily in the cooler climates of northern and northeastern Europe, making its home in a range that stretches from the expansive landscapes of central and eastern Canada down to the northeastern regions of the United States. Its presence in these regions highlights the plant’s adaptability to diverse environmental conditions prevalent in these areas.

As a member of the Cyperaceae family, chaffy sedge shares common characteristics with other sedges, such as its grass-like appearance and the formation of dense clumps which contribute significantly to the ecology of wetlands and damp meadows. Its robust growth habit plays a crucial role in soil stabilization and water filtration in its native habitats, enhancing the biodiversity and health of these ecosystems.

Whether encountered by botanists on European terrains or amidst the wetlands of North America, Carex paleacea stands out as a species of ecological importance and botanical interest.

Common Names

Dan: strand-star
Eng: chaffy sedge
Nob: havstarr
Nno: havstorr
Swe: strandstarr, vihnesara
Fin: vihnesara
Fra: carex paléacé, carex écailleux
Sme: ratnelukti
En: Chaffy sedge
Da: Strand-star
Fi: Vihnesara
Fr: Carex paléacé, Carex écailleux
Se: Ratnelukti
Nb: Havstarr
Nn: Havstorr
Sv: Strandstarr, Vihnesara

Synonyms

• Carex neopaleacea (Lepage)
• Carex maritima (O.F.Müll.)
• Carex gauthieri (Lepage)
• Carex maritima var. erectiuscula (Fernald)
• Carex paleaceoides (Lepage)
• Carex crinita var. paleacea ((Schreb. ex Wahlenb.) Dewey)
• Carex maritima var. brunnescens (F.Nyl.)
• Carex maritima f. brunnescens ((Nyl.) Almq.)
• Carex paleacea f. erectiuscula ((Fernald) Fernald)
• Carex sublimosa (Lepage)
• Carex paleacea f. neopaleacea ((Lepage) B.Boivin)
• Carex paleacea var. transatlantica (Fernald)
• Carex paralia (V.I.Krecz.)
• Carex gardneri (Lepage)
• Carex paleacea var. lepagei (B.Boivin)

Distribution

• Denmark (native)
• Finland (native)
• Labrador (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Norway (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Nunavut (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Sweden (native)

Additional Images

Fruit

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

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

Habit

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

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

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

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

Flower

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

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:46808-2)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2727181)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Carex paleacea Schreb. ex Wahlenb.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Graminoid

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 8

Soil nutriments: 2