Carex stricta

Carex stricta

Secure  (NatureServe)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Monocots
(unranked): Commelinids
Order: Poales
Family: Cyperaceae
Genus: Carex
Species: C. stricta
Binomial name
Carex stricta
Lam.
Synonyms
  • Carex elata Gooden.
  • Carex strictior Dewey

Carex stricta is a species of sedge known by the common names upright sedge[1] and tussock sedge.[2] It is grass-like and can be difficult to distinguish from other plants, because of its long, triangular, green stems. The plant grows in moist marshes, forests and alongside bodies of water.[3] It grows up to 2 feet (0.61 m) tall and 2 feet (0.61 m) wide. When the leaves die, they build on top of or around the living plant, making a "tussock".[3] It is one of the most common wetland sedges in eastern North America.[4]

Just like with Taraxacum plants, their seeds are carried by the wind. When seeds land, they are eaten by birds such as dark-eyed junco, northern cardinal, wild turkey, and ducks such as mallard and wood duck. The seeds are also eaten by squirrels and other mammals.[3] The plant can also reproduce vegetatively via rhizomes, and often form colonies.[3]

References

  1. "Carex stricta Lam., upright sedge". PLANTS Profile. United States Department of Agriculture. Retrieved May 22, 2013.
  2. Coladonato, M. 1994. Carex stricta. In: Fire Effects Information System, USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Carex stricta. Study of Northern Virginia Ecology. Fairfax County Public Schools.
  4. Carex stricta. Flora of North America.
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