Family: Cyperaceae
Author: Willd.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl., ed. 4, 4: 306 (1805)
Year: 1805
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Carex
Vegetable: False
Observations: Canada to N. & EC. U.S.A.
Description
Hairy sedge, scientifically known as Carex lacustris, is a distinctive species belonging to the family Cyperaceae. Described by the botanist Carl Ludwig Willdenow in the fourth edition of “Species Plantarum” in 1805, this perennial sedge stands out due to its notable distribution and ecological versatility.
Geographically, Carex lacustris exhibits a wide range, predominantly thriving across Canada and extending south into the northern and eastern regions of the United States. This broad distribution highlights its adaptability to various environmental conditions and its significant role in regional wetland ecosystems.
Characterized by its distinctive appearance, Carex lacustris typically grows in dense clumps and can reach impressive heights, making it a prominent feature of wetland habitats. Its stems, often cloaked in a covering of fine hairs, give the plant its common name, “Hairy sedge.” The leaves are long, narrow, and typically have a rough texture, further contributing to the plant’s recognizable morphology.
Habitat-wise, Hairy sedge is commonly found in marshes, wet meadows, along stream banks, and in other moist, nutrient-rich soils. It plays an integral role in these ecosystems, providing valuable ecological functions such as soil stabilization, water filtration, and offering habitat for a variety of wildlife.
The presence of Carex lacustris in wetland environments is not just a marker of biodiversity but also an indicator of the health of these ecosystems. Conservation efforts often focus on protecting such keystone species to maintain the integrity of wetland habitats.
In summary, Hairy sedge (Carex lacustris) is more than just a visually distinctive plant; it is an essential component of North American wetlands. Its robust nature, wide distribution, and invaluable ecological contributions make it a species worthy of study and conservation.
Common Names
Eng: hairy sedge, lake sedge, lake bank sedge, common lake sedge, lakebank sedge, lakeshore sedge, rip-gut sedge
Fra: carex lacustre
En: Hairy sedge, Lakebank Sedge, Lake bank sedge, Lake sedge, Common lake sedge, Lakeshore sedge, Rip-gut sedge
Fr: Carex lacustre
Fa: کارکس لاکوستریس
Synonyms
- Anithista riparia (Raf.)
- Carex riparia var. lacustris ((Willd.) Kük.)
- Anithista lacustris ((Willd.) Raf.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Alberta (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Maine (native)
- Manitoba (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Montana (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- New Brunswick (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- Newfoundland (native)
- North Dakota (native)
- Nova Scotia (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Québec (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- Saskatchewan (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
Additional Images
Fruit
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute. (public)
Taken Jun 4, 2008 by EOL − Chicago Botanic Garden 2008 (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Feb 19, 2016 by EOL − leannewallisbiologist (cc-by-nc)
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 Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
Taken Feb 20, 2016 by EOL − leannewallisbiologist (cc-by-nc)
Leaf
Taken Jun 4, 2008 by EOL − Chicago Botanic Garden 2008 (cc-by-nc-sa)
Flower
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2724064)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:46439-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Carex lacustris Willd.)
Specifications
Growth form>: Rhizomatous
Growth habit>: Graminoid
Growth rate>: Rapid
Growth
Ph maximum: 6.8
Ph minimum: 5.6