Family: Cyperaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 973 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Carex
Vegetable: False
Observations: SE. Canada to NC. & E. U.S.A.
Description
Squarrose sedge, scientifically named Carex squarrosa, is a notable species within the Cyperaceae family. This perennial plant is indigenous to regions stretching from Southeastern Canada to North Carolina, encompassing much of the Eastern United States.
First described in 1753, Carex squarrosa has characteristics that make it stand out among sedges. It thrives in moist, shaded environments, often flourishing in wetlands, floodplains, and alongside streams and rivers where the soil remains consistently damp.
The plant is recognizable by its distinctive squarrose (or spreading) bracts, which fan outwards in a somewhat spiky formation, giving the plant its common name, Squarrose sedge. Its sedge-like foliage consists of long, narrow leaves that can sometimes appear slightly arching. Throughout its blooming period, Carex squarrosa produces clusters of greenish-brown flowers that develop into small, seed-bearing fruits.
Due to its preference for wet habitats, Squarrose sedge plays a crucial role in stabilizing soil and preventing erosion in the areas it populates. Additionally, its presence contributes to the biodiversity of these ecosystems, providing habitat and food for various wildlife.
This resilient and versatile sedge is an excellent indicator species for healthy wetland ecosystems and is valued for its ecological benefits. Whether one is a botanist, ecologist, or simply a plant enthusiast, Carex squarrosa serves as a fascinating subject of study within the rich tapestry of North America’s plant life.
Common Names
Eng: squarrose sedge, narrow-leaved cattail sedge
Fra: carex squarreux
En: Squarrose sedge, Narrow-leaved cattail sedge
Fr: Carex squarreux
Synonyms
- Vignea squarrosa ((L.) Rchb.)
- Carex typhinoides (Schwein.)
- Carex squarrosa f. robusta (Peck)
- Carex squarrosa var. typhinoides ((Schwein.) Dewey)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Jun 1, 2021 by Matthew Dyer (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 20, 2020 by Lyndee Codinha (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jun 1, 2021 by Matthew Dyer (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 28, 2020 by max (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jun 28, 2004 by EOL − summerazure (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 Jun 4, 2008 by EOL − Chicago Botanic Garden 2008 (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute. (public)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Habit
Taken Sep 14, 2013 by EOL − dsuarez (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 14, 2013 by EOL − dsuarez (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 14, 2013 by EOL − dsuarez (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Staunton, N. (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jun 4, 2008 by EOL − Chicago Botanic Garden 2008 (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2728950)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:330927-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Carex squarrosa L.)
Specifications
Growth form>: Bunch
Growth habit>: Graminoid
Growth rate>: Slow
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.3
Ph minimum: 5.6
