Curved sedge (Carex maritima, Fl. Norveg. 2: 131 (1776))

Family: Cyperaceae

Author: Gunnerus

Bibliography: Fl. Norveg. 2: 131 (1776)

Year: 1776

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Carex

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Europe to Himalaya, E. Canada, NE. U.S.A.

Description

Curved sedge, scientifically known as Carex maritima, is a resilient and adaptable member of the Cyperaceae family, identified and catalogued by Gunnerus in the work “Fl. Norveg.” volume 2, page 131, published in 1776. This hardy species boasts a widespread geographical distribution, spanning from Europe across to the Himalayas, and even extending to the eastern regions of Canada and the northeastern United States.

Characterized by its distinctive curved structure, Curved sedge thrives in a variety of environmental conditions, demonstrating significant ecological flexibility. It is an important component of wetland ecosystems, where it often establishes itself in saline to freshwater habitats. Its presence can play a critical role in soil stabilization and providing habitat for wildlife.

Adapted to both cold and temperate climates, Carex maritima is a testament to nature’s ability to proliferate across diverse landscapes. Its intricate relationships within the ecosystems it inhabits, combined with its wide distribution, highlight its ecological importance and resilience. Despite its unassuming appearance, Curved sedge is a vital plant species contributing significantly to the biodiversity and stability of the areas where it is found.

Common Names

Dan: krum star
Nno: bogestorr
Nob: buestarr
Swe: bågstarr
Eng: curved sedge, seaside sedge
Nor: fjærestar
Fra: carex maritime, laiche maritime, laiche à feuilles de jonc
Sme: mearralukti
Cym: hesgen ddeilgrwm, hesgen grom
En: Curved sedge, Seaside Sedge
Da: Krum Star
Nl: Zeezegge
Fi: Käyräsara
Fr: Carex maritime, Laiche maritime, Laiche à feuilles de jonc, Laîche à feuilles de jonc, Laîche maritime
De: Binsenblättrige Segge
It: Carice giunchifoglia
Se: Mearralukti
No: Fjærestar
Nb: Buestarr
Nn: Bogestorr
Ru: Осока приморская
Sv: Bågstarr
Cy: Hesgen grom, Hesgen Ddeilgrwm

Synonyms

• Carex incurva (Lightf.)
• Carex incurva f. erecta (O.Lang)
• Vignea incurva ((Lightf.) Rchb.)
• Carex incurva var. inflata (Simmons)
• Vignea maritima ((Gunnerus) Rchb.)
• Carex maritima f. inflata ((Simmons) Polunin)
• Carex maritima subsp. setina ((Christ) T.V.Egorova)
• Carex maritima var. setina ((Christ) Fernald)
• Carex incurva f. pallens (Kük.)
• Carex maritima subsp. yukonensis (A.E.Porsild)
• Vignea maritima subsp. setina ((Christ) Soják)
• Rhaptocalymna incurva ((Lightf.) Fedde & J.Schust.)
• Carex stenophylla (L.Thienem. ex Boott)
• Carex incurva subsp. leveillei (Husn.)
• Carex incurva var. pratensis (Hartm.)
• Carex incurva var. setina (Christ)
• Carex banata (Sm.)
• Carex psychroluta (V.I.Krecz.)
• Carex jucunda (V.I.Krecz.)
• Caricina incurva ((Lightf.) St.-Lag.)
• Carex setina ((Christ) V.I.Krecz.)
• Olotrema juncifolia ((All.) Raf.)
• Carex camptotropa (V.I.Krecz.)
• Carex orthocaula (V.I.Krecz.)
• Carex transmarina (V.I.Krecz.)
• Carex incurva var. chartacea (Kük.)
• Carex bucculenta (V.I.Krecz.)
• Carex amphilogos (K.Koch)

Distribution

• Alaska (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Denmark (native)
• France (native)
• Føroyar (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greenland (native)
• Iceland (native)
• Italy (native)
• Krasnoyarsk (native)
• Labrador (native)
• Magadan (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Nepal (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest Territorie (native)
• Norway (native)
• Nunavut (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Québec (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• Svalbard (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Yakutskiya (native)
• Yukon (native)
• Alberta (introduced)
• Manitoba (introduced)

Additional Images

Fruit

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

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

Taken Jul 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Nov 28, 2021 by Alain Lagrave (cc-by-sa)

Habit

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

Taken Jul 15, 2003 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

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

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

Other

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

Taken Jul 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Yann QUELEN (©)

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

Flower

Taken Jul 15, 2003 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2003 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2726673)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:300885-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Carex maritima Gunnerus)

Specifications

Growth