Graceful sedge (Carex gracillima, Ann. Lyceum Nat. Hist. New York 1: 66 (1824))

Family: Cyperaceae

Author: Schwein.

Bibliography: Ann. Lyceum Nat. Hist. New York 1: 66 (1824)

Year: 1824

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Carex

Vegetable: Unknown

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

Description

The Graceful sedge, scientifically known as Carex gracillima, is a perennial plant belonging to the Cyperaceae family. First described in the early 19th century by Schwein. in the “Annals of the Lyceum of Natural History of New York,” this sedge species boasts a historical and botanical significance that stretches back to 1824.

Carex gracillima is predominantly found across a range of geographical locations in North America, specifically from Central and Eastern Canada extending down to the northern regions of the United States, including North Carolina and spanning across the Eastern U.S.A. Its distribution indicates a preference for certain climatic and soil conditions characteristic of these regions.

Characterized by its slender, graceful appearance, the Graceful sedge thrives in natural habitats that provide the moisture and partial shade it requires for optimal growth. This includes woodlands, meadows, and other environments where it can maintain its delicate structure and form.

For botanists, horticulturists, and plant enthusiasts, Carex gracillima exemplifies an important species within the Cyperaceae family, contributing to the ecological diversity and stability of the habitats where it resides. Its role within these ecosystems includes providing ground cover, serving as a food source for various wildlife, and participating in the broader web of plant and animal interactions.

Understanding the specific characteristics and habitat requirements of Carex gracillima not only aids in the identification and conservation of this species but also enhances our appreciation of the intricate natural tapestry formed by sedges and their ecological companions.

Common Names

Eng: graceful sedge, purple-sheathed graceful sedge
Fra: carex filiforme
En: Graceful sedge, Purple-sheathed graceful sedge
Fr: Carex filiforme

Synonyms

• Carex gracillima f. humilis (L.H.Bailey)
• Loxanisa gracillima ((Schwein.) Raf.)
• Carex digitalis (Schwein. & Torr.)
• Carex gracillima var. macerrima (Fernald & Wiegand)
• Carex gracillima var. humilis ((L.H.Bailey) L.H.Bailey)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Missouri (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Sep 10, 2020 by jaap copper (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 10, 2020 by jaap copper (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2022 by PT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 8, 2015 by EOL − Charlie Hohn (cc-by-nc)

Habit

Taken Jun 11, 2015 by EOL − Liana May (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 31, 2012 by EOL − Everett (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 26, 2015 by EOL − Liana May (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 31, 2012 by EOL − Everett (cc-by-nc-sa)

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

Flower

Taken Jun 19, 2022 by PT (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 5, 2020 by Emily Cool (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2012 by EOL − Everett (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jun 15, 2015 by EOL − Liana May (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 21, 2013 by EOL − Robert L Curtis (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:324476-2)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2724492)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Carex gracillima Schwein.)

Specifications

Growth