Fuzzy wuzzy sedge (Carex hirsutella, Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 50: 349 (1923))

Family: Cyperaceae

Author: Mack.

Bibliography: Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 50: 349 (1923)

Year: 1923

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Carex

Vegetable: False

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

Description

The Fuzzy Wuzzy Sedge, scientifically known as Carex hirsutella, is a perennial member of the Cyperaceae family, celebrated for its distinctively textured foliage. This plant species was formally described in 1923 as part of the botanical literature in the Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club by the botanist Mack.

Fuzzy Wuzzy Sedge thrives predominantly in regions ranging from southeastern Canada extending through central and eastern United States. Its native habitat encompasses a variety of moist environments, including meadows, marshes, and the edges of water bodies, where it contributes to the ecological diversity by providing ground cover and habitat for numerous insect and bird species.

The plant is easily identifiable by its “fuzzy” appearance, a characteristic attributed to its hirsute, or hairy, leaf surfaces. These dense, fine hairs give the plant a distinctive soft texture, making it stand out among other sedges. The leaves are an important feature for those studying plant identification and ecology, as they help differentiate Carex hirsutella from other closely related species and genera.

As part of the broader sedge family, Fuzzy Wuzzy Sedge shares many common traits with its relatives, such as the grass-like form and triangular stems typical of Carex species. However, its unique hairiness serves as a key identifying feature and a point of interest for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

The growth habit of Carex hirsutella allows it to form dense clumps that can stabilize soil and prevent erosion, making it a potentially valuable addition to restoration projects aimed at re-establishing native plant communities and preserving wetland environments. This species’ adaptability to various hydrological conditions further enhances its utility in ecological conservation efforts.

In summary, the Fuzzy Wuzzy Sedge (Carex hirsutella) is a distinctive and ecologically significant plant species within the Cyperaceae family. Its historical description, regional observations, and notable characteristics underscore its value both in botanical studies and in maintaining biodiversity in its native habitats.

Common Names

Eng: fuzzy wuzzy sedge, hirsute sedge, hairy green sedge, slightly hirsute sedge
Fra: carex hirsute
En: Fuzzy wuzzy sedge, Hirsute sedge, Hairy green sedge, Slightly hirsute sedge
Fr: Carex hirsute

Synonyms

• Carex viridula (Schwein. & Torr.)
• Carex capillata (Schkuhr ex Kunth)
• Carex complanata subsp. hirsutella ((Mack.) R.T.Clausen)
• Carex triceps (Michx.)
• Carex hirsuta var. pedunculata (Schwein. & Torr.)
• Carex triceps var. hirsuta ((Raf.) L.H.Bailey)
• Carex triceps var. longicuspis (Kük.)
• Carex hirsuta (Willd.)
• Olamblis hirsuta (Raf.)
• Carex complanata var. hirsuta ((Raf.) Gleason)
• Carex triceps var. pedunculata ((Schwein. & Torr.) Torr.)
• Carex triceps var. smithii (L.H.Bailey)

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)
• Maine (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Québec (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)

Additional Images

Habit

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

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

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

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

Taken May 29, 2008 by EOL − summerazure (cc-by-nc-sa)

Flower

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

Bark

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

Taken Nov 11, 2014 by EOL − Robert L Curtis (cc-by-nc-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 9, 2012 by EOL − summerazure (cc-by-nc-sa)

Fruit

Taken Nov 11, 2014 by EOL − Robert L Curtis (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2724701)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:292643-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Carex hirsutella Mack.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Graminoid

Growth