Family: Cyperaceae
Author: Shuttlew. ex Kunze
Bibliography: Suppl. Riedgräs.: 128 (1844)
Year: 1844
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Carex
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: SE. Canada to C. & E. U.S.A.
Description
Ravenfoot sedge, known scientifically as Carex crus-corvi, is a striking member of the Cyperaceae family. First described in detailed botanical literature in 1844 by Shuttlew. and Kunze, this perennial plant has gained attention for its unique characteristics and widespread presence across various regions.
This species boasts a notable distribution extending from Southeast Canada down through Central and Eastern United States. Such a range highlights its adaptability to diverse ecosystems. The plant tends to thrive in moist, wetland areas where it can make the most of the nutrient-rich environments, often contributing to the stabilization of soil with its robust root systems.
Carex crus-corvi displays a series of trademark features that distinguish it from other sedges. The Ravenfoot sedge is recognized for its dense clumps of foliage, with grass-like leaves that exhibit a rich green hue. Its flowering stems can reach significant heights, towering above many other wetland plants, and culminate in clusters of compact, spikelet inflorescences. These spikelets house the plant’s reproductive structures, playing a key role in its life cycle.
Ecologically, Ravenfoot sedge plays an important role as it provides habitat and food for various wildlife. Birds and small mammals often utilize the sedge for cover, while its seeds and shoots offer nourishment for many. Additionally, the plant contributes to the health of wetland ecosystems by filtering water, capturing sediments, and preventing erosion.
In summary, Ravenfoot sedge (Carex crus-corvi) is a vital and fascinating species prevalent across a broad North American corridor. Its adaptability and ecological contributions underscore its importance and the need for continued interest and conservation in wetland flora.
Common Names
Eng: ravenfoot sedge, crow-spur sedge, crowfoot fox sedge, raven’s-foot sedge
Fra: carex ergot-de-corbeau
En: Ravenfoot sedge, Raven-Foot Sedge, Crow-spur sedge, Crowfoot fox sedge, Raven’s-foot sedge
Fr: Carex ergot-de-corbeau
Synonyms
- Carex hystrix (A.Gray ex Boott)
- Carex ornithorhyncha (Boott)
- Carex bayardii (Fernald)
- Carex crus-corvi f. orthoclados (Kunze)
- Carex crus-corvi var. virginiana (Fernald)
- Carex siciformis (Boott)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Ontario (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
- Belgium (introduced)
Additional Images
Fruit
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute. (public)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2724046)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:299314-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Carex crus-corvi Shuttlew. ex Kunze)
