Distant sedge (Carex distans, Syst. Nat. ed. 10. 2: 1263 (1759))

Family: Cyperaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Syst. Nat. ed. 10. 2: 1263 (1759)

Year: 1759

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Carex

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Azores, Europe, Medit. to Japan

Description

Distant sedge, scientifically known as Carex distans, is a notable member of the Cyperaceae family, commonly recognized for its ecological presence in a diverse range of geographical locations. This perennial species was first detailed comprehensively in the 1759 edition of Systema Naturae, reflecting the observations and taxonomic efforts of the esteemed botanist, Carolus Linnaeus (commonly abbreviated as L.).

Carex distans is indigenous to various regions, extending from the picturesque Azores archipelago across Europe, and stretching as far east as the Mediterranean region and Japan. This widespread distribution highlights the plant’s adaptability to differing climatic and environmental conditions.

Characteristically, Distant sedge thrives in wetland habitats, often found in damp grasslands, marshes, and along the edges of streams and ponds. It exhibits a clumping growth habit, forming dense tufts of slender, erect stems that can reach varying heights depending on its surroundings. The plant is also distinguished by its elongated, grass-like leaves and inconspicuous brownish-green flowers that appear in inflorescence spikes, typical of sedges.

Ecologically, Carex distans plays a crucial role in its environment, contributing to the stabilization of soil and prevention of erosion in the wetland areas it inhabits. It provides shelter and food for various wildlife, including insects and amphibians, thus fostering biodiversity within its ecosystem.

Understanding Carex distans also adds value to conservation efforts, particularly in maintaining the health and sustainability of wetland habitats. The study of this species, through historical and modern botanical research, continues to offer insights into plant resilience and adaptability, serving as a reminder of the intricate balance within natural ecosystems.

Common Names

Eng: distant sedge
Deu: entferntährige segge
Dan: fjernakset star
Lav: attalinatais grislis
Swe: glesstarr, välisara
Nob: glisnestarr
Nno: grisnestorr
Fra: laîche à épis distants, carex à épis distants, laîche distante
Fin: välisara
Nld: zilte zegge
Ara: halfa
Cym: hesgen anghysbell, hesgen bell, hesgen blodau pell
Gla: cíb scrogallach
En: Distant sedge
Ar: حلفا، حلفاء, Halfa
Ca: Càrex distant
Da: Fjernakset star
Nl: Zilte zegge
Fi: Välisara
Fr: Laîche à épis distants, Carex à épis distants, Laîche distante, Laiche à épis distants, Laiche distante
De: Entferntährige Segge, Langgliedrige Segge
He: כריך מרוחק
It: Carice a spighe distanziate
Lv: Attalinatais grislis
Nb: Glisnestarr
Nn: Grisnestorr
Gd: Cíb scrogallach
Sv: Glesstarr, Välisara
Cy: Hesgen Anghysbell, Hesgen Bell, Hesgen Blodau Pell

Synonyms

• Trasus distans ((L.) Gray)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Austria (native)
• Azores (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Egypt (native)
• Eritrea (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Iceland (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Italy (native)
• Japan (native)
• Korea (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Krym (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Norway (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Poland (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Saudi Arabia (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Sinai (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yemen (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Maryland (introduced)
• Pennsylvania (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jun 4, 2019 by Nacke Nicolas (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 29, 2021 by Beytullah AYDIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 2, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Patrick LEBOULENGER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 2, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Patrick LEBOULENGER (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jun 21, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Brigitte MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 12, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Hugues TINGUY (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 2, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Patrick LEBOULENGER (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 28, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 22, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Benjamin Suze (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 22, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Benjamin Suze (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 11, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Emilie BERNARD (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 11, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Emilie BERNARD (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 13, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Hugues TINGUY (cc-by-sa)

Bark

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

Taken May 28, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 28, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Daniel MATHIEU (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 1850 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 30, 1882 by Tela Botanica − Anne-Marie GRIMAUD (cc-by-sa)

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

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

© 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/2726010)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:299497-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Carex distans L.)

Specifications

Growth