Family: Cyperaceae
Author: Lam.
Bibliography: Encycl. 3: 387 (1792)
Year: 1792
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Carex
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: E. Canada to C. & E. U.S.A.
Description
Carex stricta, commonly known as Upright sedge, is a notable species within the Cyperaceae family. The authority for its scientific description is denoted by ‘Lam.’ and dates back to its inclusion in the “Encycl. 3: 387” in 1792. This perennial sedge is distinguished by its upright growth habit and is a significant component of wetland flora.
Upright sedge is widespread across a vast geographical range, from Eastern Canada extending to the Central and Eastern regions of the United States. This adaptability to various environments underscores its importance in maintaining the integrity of wetland ecosystems within these zones.
The plant exhibits a robust structure with dense clumps of narrow, grass-like leaves, which can reach impressive lengths. It thrives in moist to wet soils, often forming extensive stands in marshes, along stream banks, and in wet meadows. Its presence contributes significantly to soil stabilization and provides essential habitat and food for a variety of wildlife species.
Carex stricta plays a crucial ecological role in water filtration and the prevention of soil erosion. The dense root system facilitates nutrient uptake and sediment capture, enhancing water quality in its native habitats. Furthermore, it serves as a vital resource and offers shelter to numerous birds, insects, and small mammals.
Through its robust nature and ecological benefits, Carex stricta – Upright sedge – exemplifies a plant of both environmental significance and botanical interest. Exploring its natural habitat underscores the intricate balance of wetland ecosystems and the essential roles played by their native vegetation.
Common Names
Eng: upright sedge, uptight sedge, tussock sedge, common tussock sedge, hummock sedge, stiff sedge
Fra: carex raide
En: Upright sedge, Tussock sedge, Uptight Sedge, Hummock sedge, Common tussock sedge, Stiff sedge
Fr: Carex raide
Synonyms
- Carex littoralis (Krock.)
- Carex tenuispica (Boeckeler)
- Carex sempervirens (Elliott ex Kunth)
- Carex xerocarpa (S.H.Wright)
- Carex stricta var. curtissima (Peck)
- Carex verrucosa (Schwein. ex Torr.)
- Carex strictior f. curtissima ((Peck) House)
- Carex stricta f. pedicellaris (House)
- Carex stricta f. curtissima ((Peck) Kük.)
- Carex stricta f. brevior (House)
- Carex prolixa (Schur)
- Carex kelvingtoniana (Steud.)
- Carex tristicha (Boeckeler)
- Carex strictior (Dewey ex Alph.Wood)
- Carex watsoniana (Steud.)
- Diemisa stricta ((Lam.) Raf.)
- Vignantha stricta ((Lam.) Schur)
- Vignea stricta ((Lam.) Rchb.)
- Carex stricta f. xerocarpa ((S.H.Wright) Kük.)
- Carex stricta var. strictior ((Dewey ex Alph.Wood) J.Carey)
- Carex stricta var. xerocarpa ((S.H.Wright) Britton)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Maine (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- New Brunswick (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- North Dakota (native)
- Nova Scotia (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Prince Edward I. (native)
- Québec (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Aug 9, 2020 by lexi warner (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 2, 2020 by Jodi Jodi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 19, 2022 by Delphine Viley (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 6, 2021 by Peter V (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 5, 2019 by Jenny Gao (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jul 19, 2015 by EOL − Joe Walewski (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 20, 2014 by EOL − Daniel Carter (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 20, 2014 by EOL − Daniel Carter (cc-by-nc)
Taken Nov 20, 2012 by EOL − Kelly O’Donnell (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Nov 20, 2012 by EOL − Kelly O’Donnell (cc-by-nc-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Fruit
Taken May 16, 2022 by Matthias Foellmer (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 13, 2015 by EOL − Cailin O’Connor Fitzpatrick (cc-by-nc)
Flower
Taken May 15, 2022 by Timur Delahaye (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 4, 2020 by Waltraut probst (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
Bark
Taken May 12, 2015 by EOL − Alex Palmer (cc-by-nc)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30020383-2)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2722325)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Carex stricta Lam.)