Prickly sedge (Carex spicata, Fl. Angl.: 349 (1762))

Family: Cyperaceae

Author: Huds.

Bibliography: Fl. Angl.: 349 (1762)

Year: 1762

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Carex

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Madeira, Europe to NW. Iran

Description

The prickly sedge, scientifically known as Carex spicata, is a noteworthy plant species that has garnered attention since its documentation in 1762 by Huds. This perennial herb is a member of the Cyperaceae family, commonly identified by its grass-like appearance and distinctive prickly fruit spikes.

Indigenous to a wide geographical expanse, Carex spicata can be found flourishing from the lush landscapes of Madeira through continental Europe, and extending all the way to the northwestern regions of Iran. Its adaptability to various climates and terrains makes the prickly sedge a frequent resident of meadows, grassy slopes, and waste grounds.

The morphology of Carex spicata is fairly typical of the sedge family, characterized by its densely clustered, spike-like inflorescences that give it a bristly texture. These spikes, rising from a tuft of grass-like leaves, contribute to the plant’s common name and make it easily discernible from other sedge varieties.

As an important component of its ecosystem, the prickly sedge plays a crucial role in providing habitat and food sources for a variety of wildlife. Its presence not only aids in soil stabilization but also enhances the biodiversity of its habitat, which is vital for maintaining ecological balance.

In summary, Carex spicata or the prickly sedge is a versatile and ecologically significant species that spans a broad range from Madeira to northwestern Iran. Its history of botanical recognition and its characteristic appearance continue to evoke interest among botanists and nature enthusiasts alike.

Common Names

Deu: dichtährige segge, stachel-segge
Eng: prickly sedge, spiked sedge, spiked bracted sedge
Dan: spidskapslet star
Nld: gewone bermzegge
Fin: hakarasara
Swe: hakarasara, piggstarr
Fra: laîche en épi, carex à épi, laiche en épi
Nob: tettstarr
Nno: tettstorr
Cym: hesgen dywysennog borffor, hesgen ysbigog borffor
En: Prickly sedge, Spiked Sedge, Spiked bracted sedge
Da: Spidskapslet star
Nl: Gewone bermzegge
Fi: Hakasara, Hakarasara
Fr: Laîche en épi, Carex à épi, Laiche en épi, Laiche en épis, Laîche en épis
De: Dichtährige Segge, Dichtährige Stachel-Segge, Korkfrüchtige Segge, Stachel-Segge, Gedrängtährige Segge
It: Carice contigua
Nb: Tettstarr
Nn: Tettstorr
Sv: Hakarasara, Piggstarr
Cy: Hesgen Dywysennog Borffor, Hesgen Ysbigog Borffor

Synonyms

• Carex muricata var. mediterranea (Asch. & Graebn.)
• Vignea spicata ((Huds.) Soják)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Altay (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Iran (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Krym (native)
• Madeira (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Norway (native)
• Poland (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Connecticut (introduced)
• Delaware (introduced)
• District of Columbia (introduced)
• Illinois (introduced)
• Indiana (introduced)
• Maine (introduced)
• Maryland (introduced)
• Masachusettes (introduced)
• Michigan (introduced)
• New Hampshire (introduced)
• New Jersey (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• New Zealand South (introduced)
• Nova Scotia (introduced)
• Ohio (introduced)
• Ontario (introduced)
• Pennsylvania (introduced)
• Primorye (introduced)
• Rhode I. (introduced)
• Vermont (introduced)
• Wisconsin (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 16, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 2020 by basia gajda (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 5, 2018 by Heinz Gass (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 9, 2022 by Pochez Mathéo (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 17, 2022 by Alaskaa (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Fruit

Taken Jul 10, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2021 by Darren Giddins (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2021 by Darren Giddins (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − P. Gourdain (cc-by-nc-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 May 7, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Dominique REMAUD (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 4, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu MENAND (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 29, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Annick LARBOUILLAT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 22, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu MENAND (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 2021 by Margherita Gaspardo Moro (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 28, 2022 by Radoslav Marinkovic (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 12, 2019 by Annie Elle (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Other

Taken Jun 26, 2022 by David Laloi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2722210)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:302345-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Carex spicata Huds.)

Specifications

Growth