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Common Name: Prairie Sedge

Other Names: Fescue Sedge

Species Name: Carex festucacea

Family Name: Cyperaceae, Sedge Family

 

 

Plant Facts  
Origin Native
Duration Perennial
Season Cool
Distribution in the U.S. Eastern half of the country
Distribution in Oklahoma Eastern half of the state

 

 

ID Characteristics

  • Field Identification Characteristics

    Vegetative

    • Triangular stems; short scales at base

    Floral

    • Alternating seed heads to the tip of stem
    • Seed heads rest between stem and one single small leaf
    • Seed heads look similar in structure to pine cones
  • Leaf and Stem Characteristics
    • Plant Height: 30-75 centimeters
    • Ligule Type: Membranous
    • Sheath: Glabrous
    • Leaves: Basal
  • Floral Characteristics
    • Inflorescence Type: Straight or arching spike
    • Florets Per Spikelet: 1
    • Glumes: None

 

 

Habitat/Ecology  
Soil Type Poorly drained sandy soil
Habitat Wet sites in the tallgrass prairie and open woods
Successional Stage Mid to late

 

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