Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica, Encycl. 3: 388 (1792))

Family: Cyperaceae

Author: Lam.

Bibliography: Encycl. 3: 388 (1792)

Year: 1792

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Carex

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. & E. Canada to NC. & E. U.S.A.

Description

Pennsylvania sedge, scientifically known as Carex pensylvanica, is an elegant and versatile plant native to parts of Canada, including Central and Eastern regions, and extends into various states in the United States, from North Carolina to other areas in the East. This member of the Cyperaceae family finds a valuable ecological niche in many forested landscapes, often flourishing in dry, deciduous woods and forest margins.

Carex pensylvanica, first documented in 1792 by the renowned botanist Lam., is distinguished by its delicate and graceful appearance. The plant typically forms dense, low-lying mats with fine, arching, grass-like leaves that offer extensive ground cover. This characteristic makes Pennsylvania sedge a highly attractive option for natural landscaping and restoration projects, particularly in shaded or partially shaded areas where other ground covers might struggle.

Known for its hardiness, Pennsylvania sedge is adapted to a range of soil types, though it shows a notable preference for well-drained, sandy, or rocky substrates. It exhibits a tolerance for various environmental conditions while maintaining its lush, green foliage from late spring through autumn. This sedge’s adaptability and low-maintenance requirements make it a preferred choice for gardeners aiming to achieve a naturalistic aesthetic with minimal intervention.

Aside from its ornamental virtues, Carex pensylvanica plays a crucial role in the ecosystem. It provides ground cover that helps prevent soil erosion, supports biodiversification by offering habitat and food sources to various insects and small animals, and contributes to the stabilization of the forest floor. As a perennial sedge, it returns each spring, enacting a natural cycle of renewal and growth that supports the integrity and resilience of its native habitats.

In the broader scope of landscape ecology and conservation, Pennsylvania sedge represents an excellent example of native flora that can enhance both the ecological health and visual appeal of natural and human-managed environments. Its incorporation into woodland gardens, restoration projects, and shaded landscapes underscores the harmonious relationship between native plants and the ecosystems they inhabit, manifesting a bridge between botany and conservation practices.

Common Names

Eng: pennsylvania sedge, common oak sedge, penn sedge
Fra: carex de pennsylvanie
En: Pennsylvania sedge, PENN SEDGE, Common oak sedge
Fr: Carex de Pennsylvanie
Fa: کارکس پنسیلوانیکا

Synonyms

• Carex pensylvanica var. marginata (Dewey)
• Carex pensylvanica f. bracteata (Peck)
• Carex pensylvanica var. livoniensis (Farw.)
• Carex pensylvanica f. latifolia (Kük.)
• Carex pensylvanica var. angustifolia (Peck)
• Carex pensylvanica f. androgyna (C.F.Wheeler ex F.J.Herm.)
• Carex pensylvanica f. gracilifolia ((Peck) Kük.)
• Carex pensylvanica var. gracilifolia (Peck)
• Carex pensylvanica f. glumabunda ((Peck) Kük.)
• Carex pensylvanica var. glumabunda (Peck)
• Carex pensylvanica f. paleacea (Peck)
• Carex subbiflora (Steud.)
• Carex pensylvanica var. pinicola (M.E.Jones)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Missouri (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Feb 19, 2016 by EOL − leannewallisbiologist (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 21, 2014 by EOL − Daniel Carter (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 28, 2014 by EOL − dsuarez (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 6, 2014 by EOL − Ben VanderWeide (cc-by-nc)

Taken Feb 4, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 5, 2019 by Palmer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2019 by Randall Benson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 23, 2019 by zoe zoe (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 4, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2021 by Melissa Aydi (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Apr 7, 2021 by Kathryn Brown (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 4, 2008 by EOL − Chicago Botanic Garden 2008 (cc-by-nc-sa)

Other

Taken May 15, 2022 by tufty_jam_bean (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2022 by tufty_jam_bean (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)

Taken Feb 20, 2016 by EOL − leannewallisbiologist (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 21, 2014 by EOL − Daniel Carter (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2724855)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30010283-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Carex pensylvanica Lam.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Graminoid

Growth