Family: Cyperaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 975 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Carex
Vegetable: False
Observations: Europe to N. Iran
Description
Finger sedge, scientifically known as Carex digitata, is a notable species within the Cyperaceae family. This perennial plant was first described in the fundamental botanical work “Species Plantarum” in 1753 by the distinguished botanist Carl Linnaeus, commonly abbreviated as L.
Carex digitata thrives predominantly in various habitats across Europe, extending its presence to Northern Iran. This broad geographical distribution suggests a significant adaptability to different environmental conditions. The plant is often found in woodland areas and shaded locales, where it benefits from the rich, well-draining soils these environments typically offer.
Characteristically, Finger sedge exhibits a clumping growth form, producing slender, finger-like leaves that often give the plant a distinctive, delicate appearance. The leaves tend to be green, with a slight arch that contributes to its graceful look. The flower spikes, typically seen in the blooming season, carry a simplistic yet elegant structure, aligning with the plant’s overall unassuming beauty.
Being part of the Cyperaceae family, Finger sedge shares common traits with other sedges, including its grass-like appearance and the presence of triangular stems. This morphological feature can be a helpful identifying characteristic when distinguishing Carex digitata from other similar species in the field.
Finger sedge plays a crucial role in its native ecosystems. Its dense growth patterns help stabilize the soil, preventing erosion, and its foliage provides habitat and food for various local fauna. Additionally, it contributes to the ecological diversity of the woodland and meadow ecosystems it frequently inhabits.
Gardeners and botanists often appreciate Carex digitata for its ornamental value and ecological benefits. When cultivated in gardens, it adds a touch of natural elegance and can serve as an excellent ground cover due to its spreading nature.
In summary, Finger sedge (Carex digitata) represents a fascinating intersection of botanical history and ecological importance. Its widespread distribution from Europe to Northern Iran, combined with its distinctive morphological features and adaptability, make it a significant and cherished member of the Cyperaceae family.
Common Names
Deu: finger-segge
Dan: finger-star
Nob: fingerstarr
Nno: fingerstorr
Fra: laîche digitée
Fin: sormisara
Swe: sormisara, vispstar, vispstarr, fingerstarr
Nld: vingerzegge
Nor: vispstar
Eng: fingered sedge
Sme: suorbmalukti
Cym: hesg byseddog, hesgen fyseddog
En: Finger Sedge, Fingered Sedge
Be: Асака пальчатая
Bg: Длановидна острица
Ca: Càrex digitat
Cs: Ostřice prstnatá
Da: Finger-Star
Nl: Vingerzegge
Et: Sõrmtarn
Fi: Sormisara
Fr: Laîche digitée, Laiche digitée
De: Finger-Segge, Gefingerte Segge
Hu: Ujjas sás
It: Carice digitata
Lv: Pirkstainais grīslis
Lt: Pirštuotoji viksva
Se: Suorbmalukti
No: Vispstar
Nb: Fingerstarr
Nn: Fingerstorr
Pl: Turzyca palczasta
Ru: Осока пальчатая
Sv: Vispstarr, Sormisara, Vispstar, Fingerstarr
Tr: Parmaklı ayak otu
Cy: Hesgen fyseddog, Hesg Byseddog
: Finger sedge
Synonyms
- Carex piroskana (Nyár.)
- Bitteria digitata ((L.) Fedde & J.Schust.)
- Carex digitata var. alpina (Heer)
- Carex ornithopoda subsp. bulgarica ((Velen.) Stoeva & E.D.Popova)
- Carex digitata f. brevifolia (Asch.)
- Carex digitata var. bulgarica (Velen.)
- Carex bulgarica (Velen.)
- Trasus digitatus ((L.) Gray)
- Carex digitata var. hungarica (Borbás)
- Carex digitata var. albida (Freyn & Sint.)
- Carex digitata subsp. piroskana ((Nyár.) Serb.)
- Carex digitata subsp. bulgarica ((Velen.) Nyman)
- Carex digitata f. glabrescens (Kük.)
- Carex digitata f. speirostachys (Neuman)
- Carex digitata var. intermedia (Crép.)
- Carex digitata f. robustior (Kük.)
- Carex digitata f. compactior (Kük.)
Distribution
- Albania (native)
- Austria (native)
- Baltic States (native)
- Belarus (native)
- Belgium (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- Central European Rus (native)
- Corse (native)
- Czechoslovakia (native)
- Denmark (native)
- East European Russia (native)
- Finland (native)
- France (native)
- Germany (native)
- Great Britain (native)
- Greece (native)
- Hungary (native)
- Iran (native)
- Italy (native)
- Krym (native)
- Netherlands (native)
- North Caucasus (native)
- North European Russi (native)
- Northwest European R (native)
- Norway (native)
- Poland (native)
- Romania (native)
- Spain (native)
- Sweden (native)
- Switzerland (native)
- Transcaucasus (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Ukraine (native)
- West Siberia (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Apr 14, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 14, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 14, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 14, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 16, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Aug 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Mar 11, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 11, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Mar 11, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 14, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 16, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 16, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 2, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (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.
Leaf
Taken Apr 2, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 14, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 22, 2021 by Сергій Примаченко (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 2, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 14, 2020 by mazzo (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jul 15, 2002 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jun 9, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude Bouzat (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 9, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude Bouzat (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 9, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude Bouzat (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 19, 2010 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Apr 14, 2022 by Petr Harant (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken May 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken May 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2727038)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:299459-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Carex digitata L.)
Specifications
Growth
Ph maximum: 6.5
Ph minimum: 5.5
Light: 5
Atmospheric humidity: 5
Bloom months: [‘apr’, ‘may’, ‘jun’]
Soil nutriments: 4