Dwarf sedge (Carex humilis, Fl. Halens.: 175 (1761))

Family: Cyperaceae

Author: Leyss.

Bibliography: Fl. Halens.: 175 (1761)

Year: 1761

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Carex

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Europe to Japan

Description

Dwarf sedge, scientifically known as Carex humilis, is a perennial plant belonging to the Cyperaceae family. This resilient species is well-adapted to a wide range of locations, stretching from Europe all the way to Japan. First formally described by Leyss. in the publication “Fl. Halens.” in 1761, Dwarf sedge has since intrigued botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

Carex humilis typically thrives in grasslands and open woodland environments, where it benefits from well-drained soils and full to partial sunlight. The plant’s modest stature is a distinguishing characteristic, rarely exceeding a height of 30 cm. Its narrow, grass-like leaves are evergreen, providing year-round greenery that is especially valuable in colder climates where other plants may recede.

The flowering period of Dwarf sedge occurs in the spring. During this time, it produces inflorescences that are subtly attractive but not ostentatious. These flower spikes, borne on slender stalks, consist of tightly clustered spikelets bearing inconspicuous flowers, which are typical of the sedge family. The flowers are wind-pollinated, an adaptation that allows the plant to reproduce successfully without the need for insect pollinators.

A noteworthy aspect of Carex humilis is its ecological role. It provides ground cover that helps in soil stabilization, reducing erosion in its native habitats. The dense clumps formed by its rhizomatous growth also offer shelter to various small fauna. This adds a layer of ecological complexity and enhances biodiversity in the areas where it is established.

Despite its hardy nature and ecological benefits, Dwarf sedge is not overly competitive and rarely dominates the flora of a particular region. Instead, it often intermingles with other grasses and herbaceous plants, contributing to the overall mosaic of its habitat. This harmonious coexistence makes it an ideal candidate for naturalistic landscaping and restoration projects.

In summary, Carex humilis or Dwarf sedge is a versatile and ecologically important plant with a broad geographical range. Its unassuming yet resilient nature, along with its ecological benefits, make it a species worth noting in both natural and cultivated settings.

Common Names

Deu: erd-segge
Eng: dwarf sedge
Cym: corhesgen, corresg
En: Dwarf Sedge
Bg: Влаголюбива острица
Ca: Càrex humil
Zh: 低矮苔草, 低矮薹草
Cs: Ostřice nízká
Da: Jord-Star
Nl: Aardzegge
Fr: Laiche basse, Laîche basse, Laiche humble, Laîche humble
De: Erd-Segge, Niedrige Segge
Hu: Törpe sás
It: Carice minore
Fa: کارکس هومیلیس
Pl: Turzyca niska
Ru: Осока низкая
Zh-tw: 低矮苔草
Zh-hant: 低矮苔草
Uk: Осока низька
Cy: Corhesgen, Corresg

Synonyms

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Altay (native)
• Austria (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Corse (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Iran (native)
• Italy (native)
• Japan (native)
• Krym (native)
• Manchuria (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Poland (native)
• Primorye (native)
• Romania (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jun 9, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude Bouzat (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2022 by mathijs zonneveld (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 23, 2020 by Rockman (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 18, 2020 by Ondřej Jokerrr83 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 3, 2021 by Michael Allmanns (cc-by-sa)

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

Fruit

Taken Feb 18, 2016 by Tela Botanica − jean-marie PAGNIER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 18, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 10, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 22, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 16, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 22, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 16, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Mar 18, 2020 by Ondřej Jokerrr83 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 28, 2022 by Marchini Daniela (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 9, 2022 by Alibi97 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 22, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 20, 2021 by adelala (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Mar 23, 2022 by Petr Harant (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 18, 2022 by jvanbuul (cc-by-sa)

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

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

Taken Apr 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Bark

Taken Mar 18, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 18, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2723953)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:300229-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Carex humilis Leyss.)

Specifications

Growth