Dotted sedge (Carex punctata, Agrost. Helv. 2: 152 (1811))

Family: Cyperaceae

Author: Gaudin

Bibliography: Agrost. Helv. 2: 152 (1811)

Year: 1811

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Carex

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe to Türkiye, NW. Africa

Description

The dotted sedge, scientifically known as Carex punctata, is a notable member of the Cyperaceae family. It was first described in 1811 by the renowned botanist Gaudin in his work “Agrost. Helv. 2: 152.”

This perennial sedge is distinguished by its characteristic dotted appearance, which has captivated botanists and nature enthusiasts alike. Native to a broad geographic range, Carex punctata can be found flourishing across various regions of Europe, extending to Türkiye and taking root in the rich soils of Northwestern Africa.

Carex punctata thrives in a variety of habitats, often favoring wetlands, meadows, and other damp environments. Its adaptability to different climatic conditions and terrains is a testament to its resilience and ecological significance. The plant’s slender, grass-like leaves and clustered flowering spikes contribute to its distinctive look, making it an interesting subject of study for those interested in the diversity of sedge species.

Beyond its aesthetic and ecological value, the dotted sedge plays an integral role in its native ecosystems. It provides crucial habitat and food sources for numerous wildlife species, contributing to the biological diversity and stability of its environment. Researchers continue to investigate its ecological interactions, discovering more about its role in supporting biodiversity.

In summary, Carex punctata is a remarkable sedge with a widespread distribution and significant ecological importance. Its study not only enriches botanical knowledge but also enhances our understanding of the complex interrelationships within natural habitats.

Common Names

Nor: prikkstarr
Deu: punktierte segge
Eng: dotted sedge
Fra: laîche ponctuée
Swe: prickstarr
Nob: prikkstarr
Nno: prikkstorr
Nld: stippelzegge
Ita: carice punteggiata
Cym: hesg mannog, hesgen bigiad, hesgen fannog
En: Dotted Sedge
Ar: كاريكس بونكاتا
Bg: Пунктирана острица
Ca: Càrex puntejat
Nl: Stippelzegge
Fi: Täpläsara
Fr: Laîche Ponctuée, Laiche ponctuée
De: Punktierte Segge
It: Carice punteggiata
No: Prikkstarr
Nb: Prikkstarr
Nn: Prikkstorr
Pl: Turzyca punktowana
Sv: Prickstarr
Cy: Hesgen fannog, Hesg Mannog, Hesgen Bigiad
: Dotted sedge

Synonyms

• Carex sismanii (Velen.)
• Carex pallidior (Degl.)
• Carex helvetica (Schleich. ex Kunth)
• Carex corsicana (Link)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Austria (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Corse (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• Norway (native)
• Poland (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken May 23, 2015 by Tela Botanica − David MERCIER (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2015 by Tela Botanica − David MERCIER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 10, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Nehemie MESLAGE (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2015 by Tela Botanica − David MERCIER (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2015 by Tela Botanica − David MERCIER (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

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

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

Taken Jun 3, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 3, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Florent Beck (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 3, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Florent Beck (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Apr 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jun 3, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Florent Beck (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 3, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Florent Beck (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 3, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Florent Beck (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 10, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Nehemie MESLAGE (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 31, 2022 by Michael Mayerosch (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 29, 2020 by Cooke Sheila (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 28, 2019 by Gilles VERSPIEREN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 3, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Florent Beck (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2015 by Tela Botanica − David MERCIER (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

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

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

Taken Jun 21, 1851 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 3, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2725754)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:301815-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Carex punctata Gaudin)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 7

Bloom months: [‘apr’, ‘may’, ‘jun’]

Soil nutriments: 3

Soil salinity: 2