Eastern woodland sedge (Carex blanda, Amer. J. Sci. Arts 10: 45 (1826))

Family: Cyperaceae

Author: Dewey

Bibliography: Amer. J. Sci. Arts 10: 45 (1826)

Year: 1826

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Carex

Vegetable: False

Observations: SE. Canada to C. & E. U.S.A.

Description

The Eastern woodland sedge, known scientifically as Carex blanda, is a perennial plant species belonging to the Cyperaceae family. First described by Dewey in the American Journal of Science and Arts in 1826, this grass-like plant is native to southeastern Canada and extends through central and eastern regions of the United States.

As a versatile and resilient species, Carex blanda thrives in a variety of habitats including woodlands, meadows, and the shaded understories of forests. Its adaptability to different environmental conditions makes it a valuable component of the native flora in these regions.

The Eastern woodland sedge typically forms dense clumps of narrow, arching leaves that can reach a height of about 30-50 cm. The foliage provides excellent ground cover, helping to control soil erosion and creating a conducive environment for other plant species to establish. During the blooming season, the plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are typical of the sedge family, contributing to the biodiversity and ecological balance of its native habitat.

This sedge is not only important ecologically but also offers aesthetic and practical value for landscaping, particularly in naturalized garden settings and restoration projects. Its low-maintenance nature and ability to thrive in shaded areas make it a popular choice for sustainable gardening practices.

In summary, Carex blanda, the Eastern woodland sedge, is a key species within the Cyperaceae family, contributing significantly to the ecosystems of southeastern Canada and central to eastern U.S.A. Its ecological versatility and low-maintenance characteristics make it an indispensable plant for both natural landscapes and managed garden spaces.

Common Names

Eng: eastern woodland sedge, woodland sedge, bland sedge, common woodland sedge
Fra: carex lisse
En: Eastern woodland sedge, BLAND SEDGE, Woodland sedge, Common woodland sedge
Fr: Carex lisse

Synonyms

• Carex laxiflora var. blanda ((Dewey) Boott)
• Deweya blanda ((Dewey) Raf.)
• Carex anceps var. blanda ((Dewey) Boott)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maine (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 12, 2010 by EOL − Kirchner, Natalie (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 12, 2010 by EOL − Kirchner, Natalie (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 12, 2010 by EOL − Kirchner, Natalie (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 26, 2019 by Dan Hribar (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 7, 2020 by Jodi Marr (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 12, 2010 by EOL − Kirchner, Natalie (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 6, 2022 by Riley Korte (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Aug 12, 2010 by EOL − Kirchner, Natalie (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 12, 2010 by EOL − Kirchner, Natalie (cc-by-nc-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 4, 2008 by EOL − Chicago Botanic Garden 2008 (cc-by-nc-sa)

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

© 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/2728993)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:298848-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Carex blanda Dewey)

Specifications

Growth form: Bunch

Growth habit: Graminoid

Growth rate: Slow

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.0

Ph minimum: 4.4