Fescue sedge (Carex festucacea, Sp. Pl., ed. 4, 4: 242 (1805))

Family: Cyperaceae

Author: Willd.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl., ed. 4, 4: 242 (1805)

Year: 1805

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Carex

Vegetable: False

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

Description

Fescue sedge, known scientifically as Carex festucacea, is a perennial plant belonging to the family Cyperaceae, an extensive family commonly referred to as the sedge family. First documented by the renowned botanist Willd. in the fourth edition of the book “Species Plantarum” in 1805, this species has since been recognized for its distinctive characteristics and broad distribution across North America.

Fescue sedge is most notably found from the southeastern regions of Canada down through the central and eastern areas of the United States. This geographical range indicates a preference for the temperate climates of these regions, where it commonly inhabits wet meadows, marshy grounds, and stream banks.

One of the key features of Carex festucacea is its growth habit, which typically involves forming dense clumps that contribute to soil stabilization and erosion prevention in its natural habitats. The plant displays narrow, grass-like leaves that are often finely serrated, aiding in its identification among other sedge species.

In terms of ecological importance, fescue sedge plays a vital role in its native environments. It provides essential habitat and food for a variety of wildlife, including birds and small mammals, which rely on the dense foliage for cover and on the seeds for nourishment.

Botanically, Carex festucacea is characterized by its spikelets, which are arranged in a way typical of the genus, with the male (staminate) and female (pistillate) flowers usually found on the same plant but in separate spikes. This sexual dimorphism within a single plant ensures efficient pollination and seed production.

Gardeners and landscapers occasionally utilize fescue sedge in naturalistic plantings and restoration projects because of its hardiness and ability to thrive in wet conditions. Its aesthetic appeal and environmental benefits make it a favorable choice for inclusion in native plant gardens and habitat restoration efforts.

In summary, the fescue sedge, Carex festucacea, is a significant species within the Cyperaceae family, valued for its ecological contributions, distinctive morphology, and adaptability to wetland environments. Its distribution from southeastern Canada to central and eastern USA underscores its adaptability and the important role it plays in these ecosystems.

Common Names

Eng: fescue sedge, fescue oval sedge
Fra: carex fausse-fétuque
En: Fescue sedge, Fescue oval sedge
Fr: Carex fausse-fétuque
Fa: کارکس فستوکاکیا

Synonyms

• Carex straminea var. festucacea ((Willd.) Gay)
• Vignea festucacea ((Willd.) Rchb.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute. (public)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2722803)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:46172-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Carex festucacea Schkuhr ex Willd.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Graminoid

Growth