Carex magellanica


Carex magellanica, is a perennial Carex species native to North America, Europe and the subarctic Northern hemisphere. Although it is considered a stable species worldwide, it is listed as endangered in Connecticut.

Description

Carex magellanica is a perennial sedge, which grows loosely tufted from a short to long rhizome. Its culms grow upward of, and are leafy in their lower part. These leaves are shorter than the culms, and wide, distinguishing the plant from the similar Carex limosa, or "muck sedge", which has leaves greater than in width. Its terminal spikelet is contains only the stamen, with one to four other spikelets that are ovoid and pistillate, arranged on drooping, slender peduncles.

Distribution and habitat

Carex magellanica favours wet ground, marshes, waterways and Sphagnum bogs.