String sedge (Carex chordorrhiza, Suppl. Pl.: 414 (1782))

Family: Cyperaceae

Author: L.f.

Bibliography: Suppl. Pl.: 414 (1782)

Year: 1782

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Carex

Vegetable: False

Observations: Temp. Northern Hemisphere

Description

Commonly known as String Sedge, Carex chordorrhiza is a distinct species of sedge that holds a unique place in the diversity of the Cyperaceae family. The species was first described in the taxonomic literature “Suppl. Pl.: 414” in the year 1782 by the renowned botanist L.f. (Carl Linnaeus the Younger), contributing significantly to our understanding of northern hemispheric flora.

String Sedge thrives predominantly across the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It exhibits a preference for wet, marshy habitats often found in cool temperate zones. Its adaptability to a wide range of damp environments signifies its ecological importance in maintaining the health and stability of these ecosystems.

The perennial grasslike plant is noted for its long, slender, and often arching stems that resemble strings, giving it its common name. These stems characteristically develop from a dense network of rhizomes that spread horizontally, aiding in both vegetative reproduction and the stabilization of soil within its habitat. This growth pattern is essential for preventing soil erosion and promoting water retention in marshlands.

Carex chordorrhiza is also distinguishable by its bright green, narrow leaves and small, inconspicuous flowers arranged in spikelets. The plant’s overall morphology not only contributes to its aesthetically delicate appearance but also plays a functional role in its survival and propagation in moist environments.

Given its extensive distribution in the Northern Hemisphere and its role in habitat conservation, Carex chordorrhiza remains an important subject of study within the field of botany and environmental science. Further research into this species could reveal more about its ecological interactions and potential uses in habitat restoration and management projects.

In conclusion, the String Sedge, Carex chordorrhiza, is a notable species within the Cyperaceae family, celebrated for its resilience and ecological contributions. Found primarily across temperate northern regions, this sedge continues to be of considerable interest to botanists and ecologists alike. Through sustained observation and study, we can continue to appreciate and preserve this unassuming yet vital plant species.

Common Names

Eng: creeping sedge, string sedge, cord-root sedge, prostrate sedge, rope-root sedge
Deu: fadenwurzelige segge
Dan: grenet star
Fin: juurtosara
Swe: juurtosara, strängstarr
Nob: strengstarr
Nno: strengstorr
Kor: dae-am-sa-cho
Fra: carex à longs stolons, carex à long rhizome, carex à longs rhizomes, laiche à longs rhizomes
Sme: ruohtastuslukti
Cym: hesg llinynnog, hesgen linynnog
Gla: seisg shreangach
En: String Sedge, Cord Root Sedge, Cordroot Sedge, Prostrate Sedge, Creeping sedge, Rope-root sedge, Cord-root sedge
Da: Grenet star
Fi: Juurtosara
Fr: Laîche à longs rhizomes, Laîche arrondie, Laîche à tige arrondie, Laîche à deux étamines, Carex à longs stolons, Carex à long rhizome, Carex à longs rhizomes, Laiche à longs rhizomes, Laiche à long rhizome, Laîche à long rhizome
De: Strick-Segge, Fadenwurzel-Segge, Fadenwurzelige Segge, Fadenwurzeliges Riedgras, Ranken-Segge, Rankende Segge, Stricksegge
It: Carice a rizomi allungati
Ko: Dae-am-sa-cho
Se: Ruohtastuslukti
Nb: Strengstarr
Nn: Strengstorr
Gd: Seisg Shreangach
Sv: Juurtosara, Strängstarr
Cy: Hesg Llinynnog, Hesgen Linynnog

Synonyms

• Carex funiformis (Clairv.)
• Carex fischeriana (J.Gay)
• Caricina chordorrhiza ((L.f.) St.-Lag.)
• Carex chordorrhiza var. genuina (Trautv.)
• Carex chordorrhiza var. sphagnicola (Laest. ex Th.Fr.)
• Carex chordorrhiza var. aestivalis (Asch. & Graebn.)
• Vignea chordorrhiza ((L.f.) Rchb.)
• Carex fulvicoma (Dewey)

Distribution

• Alaska (native)
• Alberta (native)
• Altay (native)
• Amur (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greenland (native)
• Iceland (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kamchatka (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Khabarovsk (native)
• Korea (native)
• Krasnoyarsk (native)
• Labrador (native)
• Magadan (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mongolia (native)
• Montana (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Northwest Territorie (native)
• Norway (native)
• Nunavut (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Poland (native)
• Primorye (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Romania (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Tuva (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Vermont (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Yakutskiya (native)
• Yukon (native)
• Oregon (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 14, 1995 by Andrew Gagg (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 14, 1995 by Andrew Gagg (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 5, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude Bouzat (cc-by-sa)

Habit

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

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

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

Taken Jul 5, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude Bouzat (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 5, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude Bouzat (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

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

Taken Aug 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 5, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude Bouzat (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 5, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude Bouzat (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

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

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

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

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

Bark

Taken Aug 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© 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/2728174)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:299153-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Carex chordorrhiza L.f.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Graminoid

Growth

Ph maximum: 6.5

Ph minimum: 5.5

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 9

Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’]

Soil nutriments: 2