Sedge (Carex Swanii)

Features and Characteristics

Carex swanii, sometimes commonly called swan’s sedge, is a perennial sedge (section Porocystis) that grows in loose rhizomatous clumps to 1-3′ tall. It is native to dry to wet-mesic forests in eastern and central North America (Nova Scotia to Ontario south to Arkansas, northern Alabama and Georgia). In Missouri, this sedge is typically found in bottomland forests, swamps and acid seep margins (most commonly along Crowley’s Ridge and the eastern Ozarks) in the far southeastern part of the State (Steyermark). Plants feature pubescent, narrow, flat, grass-like, medium green leaves (each to 12″ long and 1/4″ wide). Flowers bloom in spikes in late spring (May-June) on sparsely hairy, erect to arching flowering stems (reddish-purple bases) growing to 30″ long. The terminal spikelet on each inflorescence has pistillate florets at the top and staminate florets at the base, but the lateral spikelets have only pistillate florets. Flowers are followed by tiny fruits (achenes) enclosed in sac-like bracts (perigynia). Perigynia of this species are pubescent and beakless.

Swan’s sedge is similar in appearance to hairy-fruited sedge (C. virescens), and was once known as Carex virescens var. swanii.

Over 1500 species of Carex grow in a variety of habitats (often moist to wet areas) throughout the world. Identification of individual species can be very difficult.

Genus name from Latin means cutter in reference to the sharp leaves and stem edges (rushes are round but sedges have edges) found on most species’ plants.

Specific epithet honors botanist Charles Walter Swan (1838-192- .