Evergreen sedge (Carex sempervirens, Hist. Pl. Dauphiné 2: 214 (1787))

Family: Cyperaceae

Author: Vill.

Bibliography: Hist. Pl. Dauphiné 2: 214 (1787)

Year: 1787

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Carex

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: European Mts.

Description

The Evergreen sedge, scientifically known as Carex sempervirens, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Cyperaceae family. This resilient species is predominantly found gracing the high-altitude regions of European mountains, where it thrives in the challenging conditions and adds a verdant charm to the rugged landscapes.

First formally documented in 1787 in the historical botanical work “Hist. Pl. Dauphiné” by Vill., Carex sempervirens has since captured the attention of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike. Its unique adaptability and perennial evergreen nature make it a significant component of alpine and subalpine flora.

Characterized by its dense tufts and finely textured foliage, the Evergreen sedge exhibits a vibrant green hue that persists throughout the year, showcasing nature’s ability to maintain life and beauty amidst the stark conditions of high altitudes. The plant forms intricate tussocks, which help in stabilizing the soil, thereby playing a crucial ecological role in preventing erosion in mountainous terrains.

Ecologically, Carex sempervirens supports a variety of wildlife. Its dense clusters provide shelter for numerous small organisms, while its leaves offer nourishment to various herbivorous species endemic to mountainous regions. The plant’s presence is indicative of healthy, undisturbed environments and serves as a valuable species for ecological studies monitoring the impacts of climate change on high-altitude ecosystems.

In botanical gardens and natural settings, the Evergreen sedge is appreciated for its hardiness and decorative appeal. It is often used in landscaping projects aimed at recreating alpine environments or adding year-round greenery to garden designs.

Overall, Carex sempervirens continues to be a plant of considerable interest not only for its botanical characteristics and ecological significance but also for its enduring beauty in some of Europe’s most extreme and picturesque habitats.

Common Names

Deu: horst-segge, immergrüne segge
En: Evergreen Sedge
Ca: Càrex sempervirent
Cs: Ostřice vždyzelená
Nl: Groenblijvende Zegge
Fr: Laîche toujours verte, Laiche sempervirente, Laîche sempervirente, Laiche toujours verte
De: Horst-Segge, Immergrüne Segge
It: Carice verdeggiante
Ru: Осока вечнозелёная
Uk: Осока вічнозелена

Synonyms

• Carex varia (Host)
• Carex alpestris (Gaudin)
• Carex erecta (DC.)
• Carex sempervirens f. schkuhriana (Bonnet & J.A.Richt.)
• Carex sempervirens f. rigida (Schur)
• Carex granitica (Braun-Blanq.)
• Carex sempervirens f. semipallescens (Kneuck.)
• Carex sempervirens var. setifolia (Kumm. & Sendtn.)
• Carex sempervirens f. stenophylla (Schur)
• Carex tatrorum ((Zapal.) Racib.)
• Carex sempervirens var. angustata (B.Kotula)
• Carex sempervirens subsp. granitica ((Braun-Blanq.) C.Vicioso)
• Carex sempervirens f. villarsiana (Bonnet & J.A.Richt.)
• Carex sempervirens f. albicans (Lackow. ex Kük.)
• Carex tristis var. tatrorum (Zapal.)
• Carex sempervirens var. pseudotristis (Domin)
• Carex firma var. subalpina (Wahlenb.)
• Carex sempervirens var. aurigerana (Marcailhou)
• Carex sempervirens var. trichocarpa (Schur)
• Carex sempervirens subsp. pseudotristis ((Domin) Pawl.)
• Carex murrii (Appel ex Murr)
• Carex sempervirens f. coarctata (Huter ex Kneuck.)
• Carex sempervirens subsp. silicicola (Holub)
• Carex sempervirens f. fastigiata (Lackow. ex Kük.)
• Carex sempervirens var. laevis ((Kit. ex Willd.) Asch. & Kanitz)
• Carex sempervirens f. laxiflora (Schur)
• Carex sempervirens f. pumila (Schur)
• Trasus erectus ((DC.) Gray)
• Carex sempervirens subsp. laevis (Kit. ex Willd.)
• Carex wazmanni (Schrank)
• Carex ferruginea var. sempervirens ((Vill.) Fiori)
• Carex trichocarpa (Schur)
• Carex sempervirens subsp. tatrorum ((Zapal.) Pawl.)
• Carex arida (Schleich. ex Kunth)

Distribution

• Austria (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Italy (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Jun 24, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jun 24, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Oct 7, 2021 by Fabien Anthelme (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 14, 2022 by Fabien Anthelme (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2022 by Sanne Sanne (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 20, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Marie Portas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 2019 by vincent franck (cc-by-sa)

Other

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

Taken Jul 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2016 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

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

Taken Jul 7, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude Bouzat (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jun 20, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Marie Portas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 20, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Marie Portas (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:302193-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2722326)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Carex sempervirens Vill.)

Specifications

Growth