Family: Cyperaceae
Author: Mack.
Bibliography: Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 37: 244 (1910)
Year: 1910
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Carex
Vegetable: False
Observations: E. Canada to NC. & E. U.S.A.
Description
Commonly referred to as Pubescent Sedge, Carex hirtifolia is a notable member of the Cyperaceae family. This plant was officially noted in scientific literature through the work of Mack., who documented it in the Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club, volume 37, page 244, in the year 1910.
Carex hirtifolia is distinguished by its characteristic pubescent (hairy) foliage, which provides a unique texture compared to other species in the Carex genus. The leaves and stems of this sedge are covered with fine, soft hairs, aiding in its identification among sedge enthusiasts and botanists.
The geographical range of Pubescent Sedge spans a significant portion of North America. It is predominantly found from the eastern regions of Canada down through the United States as far south as North Carolina. It also extends across the eastern United States, indicating its adaptability to a variety of climatic conditions within this wide latitudinal gradient.
Thriving in moist, shaded environments, Carex hirtifolia is often seen in woodlands, along stream banks, and in other areas where consistent moisture is available. This perennial plant adds ecological value to its habitat, supporting biodiversity by providing shelter and food for various fauna.
In the context of conservation and habitat restoration, the presence of Carex hirtifolia can be an indicator of a healthy, undisturbed environment. Its robust nature and the intricate ecosystem connections it supports underline the importance of protecting its natural habitats from urbanization and other anthropogenic impacts.
In conclusion, Pubescent Sedge (Carex hirtifolia) is a significant sedge species within the Cyperaceae family, recognized for its hairy leaves and wide distribution across eastern North America. Documented over a century ago, it continues to be a plant of interest for both its ecological role and its distinctive botanical characteristics.
Common Names
Eng: pubescent sedge, hairy sedge, hairy wood sedge, hairy-leaved sedge
Fra: carex à feuilles poilues
En: Pubescent sedge, Hairy sedge, Hairy wood sedge, Hairy-leaved sedge
Fr: Carex à feuilles poilues
Synonyms
- Diemisa pubescens (Raf.)
- Edritria pubescens (Raf.)
Distribution
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Maine (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Missouri (native)
- New Brunswick (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- Nova Scotia (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Québec (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
Additional Images
Habit
Taken Jun 4, 2008 by EOL − Chicago Botanic Garden 2008 (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jun 4, 2008 by EOL − Chicago Botanic Garden 2008 (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jun 4, 2008 by EOL − Chicago Botanic Garden 2008 (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken May 21, 2013 by EOL − Robert L Curtis (cc-by-nc-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
Taken Feb 19, 2016 by EOL − leannewallisbiologist (cc-by-nc)
Taken Feb 19, 2016 by EOL − leannewallisbiologist (cc-by-nc)
Bark
Taken Feb 19, 2016 by EOL − leannewallisbiologist (cc-by-nc)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2723474)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:292642-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Carex hirtifolia Mack.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Graminoid