Norway sedge (Carex norvegica, Fl. Scand. Prodr.: 179 (1779))

Family: Cyperaceae

Author: Retz.

Bibliography: Fl. Scand. Prodr.: 179 (1779)

Year: 1779

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Carex

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Europe to Russian Far East, Afghanistan to Himalaya, Subarctic America to E. Canada

Description

Norway sedge, scientifically known as Carex norvegica, is a fascinating member of the Cyperaceae family. First documented by the botanist Retz in the seminal work Flora Scandinaviae Prodromus in 1779, this sedge has been noted for its widespread and diverse habitat.

The Norway sedge is distinguished through its resilience and adaptability, having a geographical range that spans multiple continents. In Europe, it extends from the central regions all the way to the edges of the Russian Far East. Its presence is similarly noted from Afghanistan through to the mountainous terrains of the Himalayas. Moreover, it has adapted to the colder climates of Subarctic America, stretching as far as Eastern Canada.

Such a vast distribution highlights the plant’s versatile nature and its ability to thrive in both temperate and subarctic environments. This widespread adaptability makes Carex norvegica an important species for studying ecological adaptability and biodiversity across varying climates and geographical regions.

The Norway sedge contributes significantly to its natural habitats, often found in moist, well-drained soils. Its role in these ecosystems is crucial, as it can help with soil stabilization and providing habitat for various wildlife. The plant’s structure, with its slender, grass-like appearance, allows it to blend seamlessly into grasslands and wetlands, making it less conspicuous but essential to the ecological balance.

For botanists and plant enthusiasts alike, Carex norvegica serves as an intriguing subject of study due to its historical significance, extensive range, and ecological importance. Its discovery and subsequent classification in the late 18th century marked the beginning of a deeper understanding of the diverse sedge family and their roles in various environments around the globe.

Common Names

Eng: norway sedge, scandinavian sedge, alpine sedge, close-headed alpine-sedge, close-headed alpine sedge
Nob: fjellstarr
Nno: fjellstorr
Swe: fjällstarr, tunturikirjosara
Fin: tunturikirjosara
Fra: carex de norvège, carex de norvege, laiche de norvège
Sme: girjelukti
Cym: hesgen alpaidd, hesgen bendyn y gogledd
Gla: seisg lochlannach
En: Norway sedge, Scandinavean sedge, Scandinavian sedge, Alpine Sedge, Close-headed Alpine-sedge, Close-headed alpine sedge
Fi: Kirjosara, Tunturikirjosara
Fr: Carex de Norvège, Carex de Norvege, Laiche de Norvège, Laîche de Norvège
De: Norwegische Segge
It: Carice norvegese
Se: Girjelukti
Nb: Fjellstarr
Nn: Fjellstorr
Gd: Seisg Lochlannach
Sv: Fjällstarr, Tunturikirjosara
Cy: Hesgen Alpaidd, Hesgen Bendyn y Gogledd

Synonyms

• Vignea norvegica ((Retz.) Rchb.)

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Altay (native)
• Austria (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Colorado (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• East Himalaya (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greenland (native)
• Iceland (native)
• Italy (native)
• Korea (native)
• Krasnoyarsk (native)
• Labrador (native)
• Magadan (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Mongolia (native)
• Nepal (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Norway (native)
• Nunavut (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Québec (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Yakutskiya (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Jul 11, 1995 by Andrew Gagg (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Fruit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Flower

Taken Aug 14, 2019 by T Trista (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 14, 2019 by T Trista (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2724869)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30045379-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Carex norvegica Retz.)

Specifications

Growth