Grass sedge (Carex jamesii, Ann. Lyceum Nat. Hist. New York 1: 67 (1824))

Family: Cyperaceae

Author: Schwein.

Bibliography: Ann. Lyceum Nat. Hist. New York 1: 67 (1824)

Year: 1824

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Carex

Vegetable: False

Observations: S. Ontario to C. & E. U.S.A.

Description

Grass sedge, known by its scientific name Carex jamesii, is a perennial plant belonging to the Cyperaceae family. First described by the botanist Schrader in 1824 in the Annals of the Lyceum of Natural History of New York, this species has captured the interest of botanists and ecologists for its particular adaptations and ecological significance.

Carex jamesii is indigenous to a broad swathe of North America, ranging from southern Ontario in Canada, traversing central regions, and extending to the eastern parts of the United States. This extensive distribution attests to its adaptability to diverse environmental conditions.

The plant typically thrives in rich, moist woodlands and shaded areas, favoring well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It is often found in deciduous forests where the canopy provides a moderate to dense cover, which is essential for its growth. Grass sedge features tufted, grass-like foliage that can blend seamlessly with surrounding grasses and other ground-cover plants, which contributes to its generally inconspicuous but vital role in forest ecosystems.

Aside from its ecological role, Carex jamesii is valued for its contribution to the biodiversity of forest undergrowth layers, providing habitat and food for various insects and small wildlife. Its presence enriches the soil quality by preventing erosion and enhancing nutrient cycling through its root systems.

This particular sedge serves as an important indicator of healthy, undisturbed forest ecosystems, making it a species of interest for conservationists and ecologists monitoring the health of woodland areas. Its ecological benefits, coupled with its adaptability, make Grass sedge a noteworthy species to study and preserve within its native range.

Common Names

Eng: james’ sedge, grass sedge
Fra: carex de james
En: Grass sedge, James’ sedge
Zh: 二籽苔草
Fr: Carex de James
Fa: کارکس جامسی
Zh-hant: 二籽苔草

Synonyms

• Carex jacintoensis (Parish)
• Carex steudelii (Kunth)
• Carex austromontana (Parish)
• Carex jamesii var. austromontana ((Parish) Kük.)
• Dapedostachys steudelii ((Kunth) Fedde & J.Schust.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Nebraska (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)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Nov 15, 2022 by shannon felger (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2022 by helen c (cc-by-sa)

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

Fruit

Taken Aug 12, 2010 by EOL − Kirchner, Natalie (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 12, 2010 by EOL − Kirchner, Natalie (cc-by-nc-sa)

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

Habit

Taken Aug 12, 2010 by EOL − Kirchner, Natalie (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:322172-2)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2724223)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Carex jamesii Schwein.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Graminoid

Growth