Mountain sedge (Carex montana, Sp. Pl.: 975 (1753))

Family: Cyperaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 975 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Carex

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe to W. Siberia

Description

Mountain sedge, scientifically known as Carex montana, is a distinguished member of the Cyperaceae family, notable for its widespread distribution across regions spanning from Europe to Western Siberia. This perennial plant species was first described by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum” published in 1753.

Thriving primarily in temperate climates, Mountain sedge typically inhabits meadows, forest clearings, and grassy slopes, preferring moderately moist to dry soil conditions. This adaptability allows it to flourish in various habitats, contributing to its extensive range across the European and Siberian landscapes.

Carex montana exhibits slender, grass-like leaves and grows in dense tufts, reaching heights of up to 30 centimeters. The plant’s inflorescences are characterized by small, inconspicuous flowers arranged in terminal spikes, which appear from late spring to early summer. These flowers are wind-pollinated, a common trait among members of the sedge family.

Ecologically, Mountain sedge plays a significant role in its native habitats. It serves as ground cover that helps maintain soil stability and provides habitat and food resources for a variety of wildlife, including insects and small mammals. Furthermore, its presence is often indicative of the health of the ecosystem, as it is typically found in areas with minimal disturbance.

Horticulturally, Carex montana is valued for its resilience and ability to thrive in a range of soil types and conditions, making it a practical choice for naturalistic planting schemes, erosion control, and restoration projects. Its modest yet elegant appearance also makes it a suitable addition to ornamental gardens, particularly in rockeries and border plantings.

In summary, Mountain sedge, or Carex montana, is a versatile and ecologically significant plant. Its widespread presence from Europe to Western Siberia underscores its adaptability and importance in various ecosystems. First classified by Linnaeus in 1753, this modest sedge continues to play an essential role in both natural and cultivated landscapes.

Common Names

Dan: bakke-star
Deu: berg-segge
Eng: mountain sedge, soft-leaved sedge
Lav: kalnu grislis
Fra: laîche des montagnes
Swe: lundstarr, vuorisara
Fin: vuorisara
Nob: lundstarr
Nno: lundstorr
Cym: hesg meddal, hesgen eiddil dywysennog, hesgen feddal, hesgen mynydd-dir
En: Mountain sedge, Soft-leaved Sedge
Be: Асака горная
Bg: Планинска острица
Ca: Càrex montà
Cv: Ту хăяхĕ
Cs: Ostřice horská
Da: Bakke-Star
Nl: Bergzegge
Et: Mägitarn
Fi: Vuorisara
Fr: Laîche des montagnes, Laiche des montagnes
De: Berg-Segge
It: Carice villosa, Carice montana
Lv: Kalnu grīslis, Kalnu grislis
Nb: Lundstarr
Nn: Lundstorr
Pl: Turzyca pagórkowa
Ru: Осока горная
Sv: Lundstarr, Vuorisara
Cy: Hesgen feddal, Hesg Meddal, Hesgen Eiddil Dywysennog, Hesgen Mynydd-Dir

Synonyms

• Carex montana f. gracilior (Waisb.)
• Carex caryophyllaea (J.F.Gmel.)
• Carex montana var. rigida (Waisb.)
• Carex caryophyllata (Kunth)
• Carex montana f. remotiflora (Waisb.)
• Carex montana f. pseudopallescens (Kneuck.)
• Carex montana var. conglobata ((All.) Nyman)
• Diemisa filiformis ((L.) Raf.)
• Carex czetzii (Janka)
• Carex montana f. marginata (Waisb.)
• Carex montana f. pallescens (Döll)
• Carex montana subsp. czetzii ((Janka) Nyman)
• Carex filiformis (L.)
• Trasus filiformis var. simplex (Gray)
• Carex collina (Willd.)
• Carex montana var. emarginata ((Willd.) Nyman)
• Carex perennis (Krock.)
• Carex pumila (Honck.)
• Carex montana var. procera (Gaudin)
• Carex montana f. truncata (Waisb.)
• Carex emarginata (Willd.)
• Carex montana var. flavida (Waisb.)
• Carex montana f. fimbriata (Waisb.)
• Trasus filiformis ((L.) Gray)
• Carex montana var. gracilior (Waisb.)
• Carex montana var. luxurians (Čelak.)
• Carex montana f. bulboides (Waisb.)
• Carex montana f. albescens (Bornm. & Kük.)
• Carex montana var. procerior (Gaudin)
• Carex montana var. verniformis (Waisb.)

Distribution

• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Corse (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Italy (native)
• New York (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Apr 10, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 14, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 14, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 9, 2021 by Clara Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 9, 2021 by Clara Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 8, 2022 by laurence magaud (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 7, 2020 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 7, 2020 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 16, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 9, 2021 by Clara Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 17, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Mathilde DUVERGER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 16, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 16, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 14, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 14, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Apr 22, 2008 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

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

Taken Apr 13, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Florent Beck (cc-by-sa)

Other

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

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 (©)

Bark

Taken Apr 14, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 14, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:301056-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2724108)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Carex montana L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.0

Ph minimum: 6.5

Light: 5

Atmospheric humidity: 4

Soil nutriments: 2