Family: Cyperaceae
Author: Dewey
Bibliography: Amer. J. Sci. Arts 8: 97 (1824)
Year: 1824
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Carex
Vegetable: False
Observations: Canada to N. & E. U.S.A.
Description
Quill Sedge: A Guide to Carex tenera
Quill sedge, scientifically known as Carex tenera, is a captivating species belonging to the expansive Cyperaceae family. First documented by Dewey in the early 19th century, appearing in the American Journal of Science and Arts in 1824, this plant has intrigued botanists and nature enthusiasts alike for centuries.
This perennial sedge is identified by its slender, quill-like leaves and stems. It thrives predominantly across the vast stretches of Canada and extends into the northern and eastern regions of the United States. The environment best suited for quill sedge includes moist meadows, wetlands, and along the banks of streams and rivers where the soil is consistently damp.
Carex tenera’s growth pattern is archetypal of sedges, with clustered, grass-like foliage that often forms dense tufts. This growth habit not only aids in soil stabilization, especially in riparian zones, but also provides habitat for various small wildlife species.
Flowering between late spring and early summer, quill sedge exhibits small, inconspicuous flowers that are typical of the Carex genus. These flowers are grouped in spikelets, which contribute to the subtle yet intricate beauty of the plant. Following pollination, the plant produces seeds encapsulated in small fruits known as achenes, which are a critical food source for many bird species.
Despite its unassuming appearance, Carex tenera plays a vital role in its ecosystem. It aids in water filtration, erosion control, and provides shelter and nutrition for a myriad of living organisms. This underscores the importance of conserving natural habitats where quill sedge and similar species thrive.
In summary, quill sedge is not just a fascinating plant due to its botanical characteristics but also a crucial component of its natural habitat. Its presence from Canada through much of the northern and eastern United States highlights its adaptability and significant ecological role.
Common Names
Eng: quill sedge, delicate quill sedge, tender sedge, broad-fruited sedge, marsh straw sedge, narrow-leaved oval sedge, slender sedge, straw sedge
Fra: carex tendre, carex faible
En: Quill sedge, Delicate Quill Sedge, Tender sedge, Broad-fruited sedge, Marsh straw sedge, Narrow-leaved oval sedge, Slender sedge, Straw sedge
Fr: Carex tendre, Carex faible
Synonyms
- Carex tenera var. major (Olney)
- Carex straminea var. tenera ((Dewey) L.H.Bailey)
- Diemisa tenera ((Dewey) Raf.)
- Carex mirabilis var. tenera ((Dewey) Prov.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Alberta (native)
- British Columbia (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Maine (native)
- Manitoba (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Montana (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- New Brunswick (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- North Dakota (native)
- Nova Scotia (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Oregon (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Québec (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- Saskatchewan (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
- Wyoming (native)
Additional Images
Habit
Taken Jun 4, 2008 by EOL − Chicago Botanic Garden 2008 (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken May 4, 2010 by EOL − Andrew Hipp (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken May 4, 2010 by EOL − Andrew Hipp (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 6, 2014 by EOL − Robert L Curtis (cc-by-nc-sa)
Flower
Taken Mar 15, 2010 by EOL − Andrew Hipp (cc-by-nc-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2728212)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:302580-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Carex tenera Dewey)
Specifications
Growth form>: Bunch
Growth habit>: Graminoid
Growth rate>: Slow
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.0
Ph minimum: 4.9