Family: Cyperaceae
Author: Lilj.
Bibliography: Kongl. Vetensk. Acad. Nya Handl. 14: 69 (1793)
Year: 1793
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Carex
Vegetable: False
Observations: NE. Germany to Czech Rep., S. Sweden to Russian Far East, Canada to WC. U.S.A.
Description
Obtuse sedge, scientifically known as Carex obtusata, belongs to the family Cyperaceae. This perennial herbaceous plant is widely distributed across regions that include northeastern Germany to the Czech Republic, southern Sweden to the Russian Far East, and spans across North America from Canada to the western and central United States.
First formally described and cataloged in 1793 by the botanist Johan Emanuel Wikström in the “Kongl. Vetensk. Acad. Nya Handl.,” Carex obtusata is notable for its resilience and adaptability to various climatic conditions across its range. It typically thrives in meadows, open woodlands, and along the margins of moist habitats, often flourishing in areas that provide a mix of sunlight and partial shade.
Carex obtusata is characterized by its clumping growth habit, with dense tufts of narrow, grass-like leaves. Its inflorescences are distinct, featuring tightly packed spikelets that contain the reproductive organs of the plant. The spikes of obtuse sedge are typically compact and are accompanied by small, brownish scales when mature. These features make Carex obtusata easily identifiable among other sedge species.
Ecologically, obtuse sedge plays a significant role in its native habitats. It helps in stabilizing soil and providing habitat and food for various wildlife species, especially in wetland environments. Its root systems are particularly effective at preventing soil erosion, and the plant’s foliage provides cover for small animals and invertebrates.
In botanical circles and among conservational efforts, the obtuse sedge is recognized for its importance in maintaining the health of the ecosystems where it is found. Efforts to study and preserve Carex obtusata often focus on protecting its natural habitats from overdevelopment and pollution, ensuring that this widespread but ecologically significant species continues to thrive in the wild.
Common Names
Deu: stumpfe segge
Eng: obtuse sedge, blunt sedge, dryland blunt sedge
Swe: trubbstarr
Fra: carex à fruits obtus, laîche à fruits obtus
Nob: radstarr
Nno: radstorr
En: Obtuse sedge, BLUNT SEDGE, Dryland blunt sedge
Zh: 北薹草
Cs: Ostřice přítupá
Fi: Tylppösara
Fr: Carex à fruits obtus, Laîche à fruits obtus
De: Stumpfe Segge
Nb: Radstarr
Nn: Radstorr
Fa: کارکس ابتوساتا
Ru: Осока притуплённая
Sv: Trubbstarr
Synonyms
- Carex leucoglochin (Ehrh. ex Wahlenb.)
- Carex obtusata f. spicata (Kük.)
- Carex backiana (Dewey)
- Carex obtusata f. bracteata (Neuman)
- Genersichia obtusata ((Lilj.) Heuff.)
- Carex affinis (R.Br.)
- Carex decipiens (Turcz.)
- Carex microcephala (C.A.Mey.)
- Psyllophora obtusata ((Lilj.) Schur)
- Carex wohllebii (Hoppe)
- Carex obesa var. monostachya (Boeckeler)
Distribution
- Alaska (native)
- Alberta (native)
- Altay (native)
- Amur (native)
- Arizona (native)
- British Columbia (native)
- Buryatiya (native)
- Central European Rus (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Czechoslovakia (native)
- East European Russia (native)
- Germany (native)
- Kazakhstan (native)
- Khabarovsk (native)
- Krasnoyarsk (native)
- Magadan (native)
- Manchuria (native)
- Manitoba (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Mongolia (native)
- Montana (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- North Caucasus (native)
- North Dakota (native)
- North European Russi (native)
- Northwest Territorie (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Primorye (native)
- Saskatchewan (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- South European Russi (native)
- Sweden (native)
- Transcaucasus (native)
- Tuva (native)
- Ukraine (native)
- Utah (native)
- Washington (native)
- West Siberia (native)
- Wyoming (native)
- Xinjiang (native)
- Yakutskiya (native)
- Yukon (native)
Additional Images
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)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2722208)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:301282-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Carex obtusata Lilj.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Graminoid