Hudson bay sedge (Carex heleonastes, Suppl. Pl.: 414 (1782))

Family: Cyperaceae

Author: Ehrh. ex L.f.

Bibliography: Suppl. Pl.: 414 (1782)

Year: 1782

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Carex

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Europe to Russian Far East, W. & C. Canada

Description

Hudson Bay sedge, identified scientifically as Carex heleonastes, is a notable member of the Cyperaceae family, often recognized in various regions for its distinctive attributes and ecological significance. First described in 1782 by Ehrh. ex L.f., this sedge has since captured the attention of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike due to its wide distribution and characteristic features.

The natural habitat of Hudson Bay sedge spans a broad geographic range, extending from Europe across the Russian Far East and reaching into the western and central parts of Canada. This extensive distribution underscores the plant’s adaptability to different environmental conditions and its role in various ecosystems.

Hudson Bay sedge thrives in wetlands and moist habitats, where it contributes to the biodiversity and functionality of these ecosystems. Its presence often indicates healthy, undisturbed wetland areas, and it plays a crucial role in stabilizing soil, preventing erosion, and providing habitat for wildlife.

The structure of Hudson Bay sedge is characterized by its dense tufts of narrow, grass-like leaves, which emerge from a stout rhizome. The inflorescences are composed of multiple spikelets, often giving the plant a distinctly elegant appearance typical of many sedges. These botanical features not only make it easily identifiable but also highlight its aesthetic value in natural landscapes.

Ecologists and conservationists value Carex heleonastes for its contribution to wetland ecosystems. By supporting diverse plant and animal communities, this sedge helps maintain ecological balance and promotes the health of the habitats it occupies. Efforts to conserve and protect wetland areas where Hudson Bay sedge is found are crucial to preserving these complex and interdependent natural systems.

In conclusion, Hudson Bay sedge (Carex heleonastes) is a significant species within the Cyperaceae family. Its wide distribution from Europe to Canada, combined with its essential role in wetland ecosystems, highlights the importance of this species both ecologically and environmentally. Recognizing and ensuring the protection of habitats where this sedge flourishes will help maintain the biodiversity and stability of these vital ecosystems.

Common Names

Eng: hudson bay sedge
Deu: schlenken-segge, torf-segge
Nob: huldrestarr
Nno: huldrestorr
Lav: kudraju grislis
Fin: lettosara
Swe: lettosara, myrstarr
Fra: carex des tourbières, carex héléonaste, laiche des tourbières
Sme: njeaššelukti
En: Hudson Bay sedge
Fi: Lettosara
Fr: Étoile des marais, Laîche des marais, Laîche des tourbières, Carex des tourbières, Carex héléonaste, Laiche des tourbières
De: Schlenken-Segge, Torf-Segge
It: Carice della fanghiglia, Carice delle torbiere
Lv: Kudraju grislis
Se: Njeaššelukti
Nb: Huldrestarr
Nn: Huldrestorr
Sv: Lettosara, Myrstarr

Synonyms

• Vignea heleonastes ((Ehrh. ex L.f.) Rchb.)

Distribution

• Alaska (native)
• Alberta (native)
• Altay (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Iceland (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kamchatka (native)
• Labrador (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Northwest Territorie (native)
• Norway (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Poland (native)
• Québec (native)
• Romania (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Yakutskiya (native)
• Yukon (native)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Aug 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Bark

Taken May 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Flower

Taken May 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken May 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Other

Taken Aug 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2010 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/2728116)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30041862-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Carex heleonastes Ehrh. ex L.f.)

Specifications

Growth