European woodland sedge (Carex sylvatica, Fl. Angl.: 353 (1762))

Family: Cyperaceae

Author: Huds.

Bibliography: Fl. Angl.: 353 (1762)

Year: 1762

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Carex

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Europe to Iran

Description

The European woodland sedge, scientifically known as Carex sylvatica, is a notable species within the sedge family, Cyperaceae. First documented in 1762 by the botanist Hudson, this perennial plant thrives across a diverse range of habitats spanning from Europe to Iran.

Characteristically, Carex sylvatica is well-suited to the shaded, moist environments typically found in woodlands, hence its common name. This plant is distinguished by its slender, arching stems and narrow, grass-like leaves which form a dense, attractive ground cover. The culms, or flowering stems, produce small, inconspicuous flowers grouped in spikes, which with further observation, can be seen to bear the tiny fruits or nutlets distinctive to sedges.

European woodland sedge plays an essential role in its ecosystem, providing an understory that supports soil stability and moisture retention. This, in turn, benefits the surrounding flora and fauna. Often forming extensive colonies, Carex sylvatica can dominate the herbaceous layer in wooded areas, especially in deciduous forests where it receives optimal light conditions during spring before the tree canopy fully develops.

For botanists and horticulturists, Carex sylvatica represents an interesting species for study and conservation, due to its wide distribution and adaptability. Its presence is a good indicator of healthy woodland ecosystems, and efforts to preserve such native plants contribute to broader ecological restoration and biodiversity maintenance efforts.

When cultivating Carex sylvatica in a garden setting, it is essential to replicate its natural habitat as much as possible. Providing adequate shade, moisture, and rich, well-drained soil will ensure robust growth. This species not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of a woodland garden but also supports ecological balance by offering a haven for various insects and small wildlife.

In summary, the European woodland sedge, Carex sylvatica, is a vital and fascinating component of woodland ecosystems from Europe to Iran. Its historical documentation by Hudson and its importance in maintaining ecological health make it a significant subject of study and conservation.

Common Names

Eng: european woodland sedge, wood-sedge, wood sedge, woodland sedge
Dan: skov-star
Deu: wald-segge, waldsegge
Nld: boszegge
Fra: laîche des bois, carex des bois, laiche des forêts
Swe: lehtosara, skogsstarr
Fin: lehtosara
Nob: skogstarr
Nno: skogstorr
Cym: hesg y coed, hesgen ddibynnaidd y goedwig, hesgen y coed
En: European woodland sedge, Wood-sedge, Wood sedge, Woodland sedge
Be: Асака лясная
Bg: Горска острица
Ca: Càrex silvàtic
Cs: Ostřice lesní
Da: Skov-Star
Nl: Boszegge
Et: Metstarn
Fi: Lehtosara
Fr: Laîche des bois, Carex des bois, Laiche des forêts, Laiche des bois, Laîche des forêts
De: Wald-Segge, Waldsegge
Ga: Cíb choille
It: Carice delle selve
Lv: Meža grīslis
Nb: Skogstarr
Nn: Skogstorr
Fa: کارکس سیلواتیکا
Pl: Turzyca leśna
Ru: Осока приземистая
Sv: Skogsstarr, Lehtosara
Cy: Hesgen y coed, Hesg y Coed, Hesgen Ddibynnaidd y Goedwig

Synonyms

• Edritria sylvatica ((Huds.) Raf.)
• Proteocarpus sylvaticus ((Huds.) Fedde & J.Schust.)
• Trasus sylvaticus ((Huds.) Gray)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Altay (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Iran (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Italy (native)
• Krym (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Norway (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• New York (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)
• North Carolina (introduced)
• Ontario (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Apr 27, 2022 by Elena Flo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 30, 2022 by evert korner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 19, 2022 by Ingrid Van Der Heide (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 10, 2022 by Alchemilla (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken May 9, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 9, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2022 by David Laloi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 13, 2020 by alain croibien (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 19, 2021 by Błażej Nowak (cc-by-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.

Fruit

Taken May 23, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Emmanuel STRATMAINS (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jun 20, 2020 by sabrina Brousseau (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Jean Maure (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 2, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Oct 15, 2022 by Kurt Winter (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 2, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Emmanuel STRATMAINS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 23, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Emmanuel STRATMAINS (cc-by-sa)

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

Taken May 9, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Other

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

Taken Apr 29, 1882 by Tela Botanica − Anne-Marie GRIMAUD (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 13, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Dominique REMAUD (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 2000 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2022 by David Laloi (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:302516-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2722602)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Carex sylvatica Huds.)

Specifications

Growth