Spring sedge (Carex caryophyllea, Chlor. Lugd.: 27 (1785))

Family: Cyperaceae

Author: Latourr.

Bibliography: Chlor. Lugd.: 27 (1785)

Year: 1785

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Carex

Vegetable: False

Observations: Temp. Old World

Description

Spring sedge, scientifically named Carex caryophyllea, is a notable species within the Cyperaceae family. First documented in “Chlor. Lugd.” by Latourr. in 1785, this perennial plant holds a significant place in the botanical records of temperate regions across the Old World.

This resilient sedge is primarily found in well-drained habitats, thriving in countries with moderate climates. Its growth is often observed in woodlands, open forests, and grassy meadows where it manifests as tufts of slender, bright green foliage. The plant’s preference for temperate conditions underscores its adaptability and enduring nature within these zones.

Spring sedge is characterized by its distinctive, grass-like leaves, which contribute to its elegant appearance. Flowering in the spring season, Carex caryophyllea showcases small, inconspicuous flowers that are typically grouped in dense, cylindrical spikes. These spikes emerge from a cluster of basal leaves, lending the plant a subtle yet graceful presence amidst the flora of its natural habitat.

In botanical classification, Carex caryophyllea is lauded for its ecological contributions, offering habitat and food for various insects and ground-nesting birds. It also plays a vital role in preventing soil erosion, thanks to its extensive root system that stabilizes the soil and enhances its fertility.

The study of Spring sedge extends beyond mere identification; it’s a plant that embodies the intricate balance of natural ecosystems in the temperate Old World. Its enduring existence and adaptive traits make it an essential subject for both environmental and botanical sciences.

Common Names

Deu: frühlings-segge, frühlingssegge
Eng: vernal sedge, iron-grass, spring sedge, spring-sedge
Dan: vår-star
Nor: bjerrgstar
Fin: kevätsara
Swe: kevätsara, vårstarr
Fra: laîche printanière, carex printanier
Nld: voorjaarszegge
Nob: vårstarr
Nno: vårstorr
Cym: hesg cynnar, hesgen gynnar
En: Spring sedge, Vernal sedge, Iron-grass, Spring-sedge
Be: Асака вясенняя
Bg: Пролетна острица
Ca: Càrex vernal
Cs: Ostřice jarní
Da: Vår-Star
Nl: Voorjaarszegge
Et: Kevadtarn
Fi: Kevätsara
Fr: Laîche printanière, Carex printanier, Laiche de printemps, Laîche de printemps, Laiche printanière, Laiche du printemps, Laîche du printemps
De: Frühlings-Segge, Frühlingssegge
It: Carice primaticcia
Lv: Pavasara grīslis
Lt: Ankstyvoji viksva
No: Bjerrgstar
Nb: Vårstarr
Nn: Vårstorr
Pl: Turzyca wiosenna
Ru: Осока гвоздичная
Sv: Vårstarr, Kevätsara
Uk: Осока весняна
Cy: Hesgen gynnar, Hesg Cynnar

Synonyms

• Carex verna var. longevaginata ((Kük.) C.Vicioso)
• Carex praecox f. longevaginata (Kük.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Altay (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Corse (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)
• Japan (native)
• Kamchatka (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Khabarovsk (native)
• Korea (native)
• Krym (native)
• Kuril Is. (native)
• Mongolia (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Norway (native)
• Poland (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Primorye (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sakhalin (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Turkmenistan (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• District of Columbia (introduced)
• Maine (introduced)
• Masachusettes (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Apr 18, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 18, 2017 by Wolfgang Mölders (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 24, 2022 by Adrian 🇵🇱 (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2021 by Darren Giddins (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 23, 2021 by Nathan Torres (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Mar 11, 2020 by Prieta Javier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2022 by John Thompson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 29, 2012 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 5, 2017 by Antoine AFFOUARD (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2021 by Darren Giddins (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 5, 2017 by Antoine AFFOUARD (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 29, 2012 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 6, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Emmanuel STRATMAINS (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Apr 18, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Mar 20, 2022 by robertt Terral (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 5, 2017 by Antoine AFFOUARD (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Other

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

Taken Jun 29, 2022 by Easger (cc-by-sa)

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

Taken May 31, 1853 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 22, 2021 by Sergio costantini (cc-by-sa)

© 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/2727655)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:324492-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Carex caryophyllea Latourr.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Graminoid

Growth

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