Rough sedge (Carex muricata, Sp. Pl.: 974 (1753))

Family: Cyperaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 974 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Carex

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe to W. Himalaya

Description

Rough Sedge: An Overview

Rough sedge, scientifically known as Carex muricata, is a distinctive species belonging to the Cyperaceae family. This perennial plant was first described by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work Species Plantarum published in 1753. The plant has a considerable range extending from Europe all the way to the western Himalayas, highlighting its adaptability to various climatic and geographical conditions.

Habitat and Distribution

Rough sedge thrives in a variety of habitats, often found in grasslands, meadows, and forest edges. Its ability to endure different environmental conditions allows it to establish itself in both lowland and upland areas. From the temperate regions of Europe to the more rugged and variable climates of the western Himalayas, Carex muricata has proven its resilience and versatility.

Morphological Characteristics

This sedge species is noted for its coarse texture, which has granted it the common name of rough sedge. The plant typically has a dense, tufted growth habit, forming clusters that can be identified by their rough-to-the-touch leaves and stems. The leaves are narrow and grass-like, while the stems are sharply triangular in cross-section, a characteristic feature of many sedges.

Reproductive Features

Carex muricata produces its flowers and subsequent seeds in spikes, which are a hallmark of the sedge family. These spikes are often grouped in dense clusters, and the plant’s reproductive structures are adapted to ensure effective seed dispersal. The wind is a principal agent in this process, allowing rough sedge to propagate in a wide range of environments.

Ecological Importance

Rough sedge plays a significant role in its ecosystems. It provides habitat and food for various insects and animals. Its root systems help to stabilize soil, thereby reducing erosion and contributing to soil health. The presence of Carex muricata in an area can be an indicator of the ecological balance and the health of the habitat.

Uses and Applications

Although not widely known for medicinal or culinary uses, rough sedge can be of interest to botanists and ecologists studying plant distribution and habitat specialization. It may also be utilized in landscaping, particularly in naturalistic or restoration projects aiming to stabilize soil or restore native plant communities.

Conservation and Management

Given its broad distribution, Carex muricata is not currently under significant threat. However, like many plant species, it could be susceptible to habitat destruction and climate change. Conserving its natural habitats and ensuring responsible land use practices will be crucial for the continued survival of rough sedge populations.

In conclusion, Carex muricata, or rough sedge, is a resilient and ecologically valuable species. Its wide distribution from Europe to the western Himalayas underscores its adaptability and importance in various ecosystems. Understanding and appreciating such species contribute to our broader knowledge of biodiversity and the intricate web of life that supports our planet.

Common Names

Eng: rough sedge, lesser prickly sedge, prickly sedge, muricate sedge, rough-pointed sedge
Deu: sparrige segge
Nld: dichte bermzegge
Fra: laîche de paira, carex muriqué, carex muricat
Swe: mörk snårstarr, törrösara, mörk piggstarr
Nob: mørk piggstarr, piggstarr, vanlig piggstarr
Nno: mørk piggstorr, piggstorr, vanleg piggstorr
Nor: stjernstar, tennstar
Fin: törrösara
Cym: hesg ysbigog, hesgen ysbigog
En: Rough sedge, Muricate Sedge, Prickly Sedge, Lesser prickly sedge, Rough-pointed sedge, Large-fruited Prickly-sedge
Be: Асака востраканцовая
Bg: Бодлива острица
Ca: Càrex muricat
Cs: Ostřice měkkoostenná
Nl: Dichte bermzegge
Et: Siiltarn
Fi: Törrösara
Fr: Laîche de paira, Carex muriqué, Carex muricat
De: Sparrige Segge
Lv: Vara grīslis
No: Stjernstar, Tennstar
Nb: Mørk piggstarr, Piggstarr, Vanlig piggstarr
Nn: Mørk piggstorr, Piggstorr, Vanleg piggstorr
Ru: Осока колючковатая
Sv: Mörk snårstarr, Törrösara, Mörk piggstarr
Cy: Hesgen ysbigog, Hesg Ysbigog

Synonyms

• Carex muricata var. densa (Wallr.)
• Caricina muricata ((L.) St.-Lag.)
• Vignea muricata ((L.) Rchb.)

Distribution

• Altay (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Iran (native)
• Italy (native)
• Krasnoyarsk (native)
• Krym (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Norway (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Tadzhikistan (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Belgium (introduced)
• Ecuador (introduced)
• Maryland (introduced)
• Michigan (introduced)
• Netherlands (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)
• Pennsylvania (introduced)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Jul 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Apr 16, 2020 by Virginie Kessler (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2009 by EOL − Michael Kesl (public)

Taken May 23, 2021 by Daniel Bourget (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 23, 2020 by cirse (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 1, 2020 by Enej Buh (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 28, 2020 by kokoss kokoss (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2020 by Robinson Del (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 23, 2020 by cirse (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 23, 2020 by cirse (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 25, 2011 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken May 18, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude Calais (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 23, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Marc Chouillou (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 28, 2020 by morvudd (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 17, 2021 by Jana Nie (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

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 Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Other

Taken Aug 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30028489-2)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2722926)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Carex muricata L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Graminoid

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.0

Ph minimum: 6.5

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 5

Bloom months: [‘apr’, ‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’]

Soil nutriments: 5