Carex retrorsa

Carex retrorsa, ''', is a widespread species of flowering plant in the family Cyperaceae, native to southern Canada and the northern United States.

Description

Carex retrorsa is a clump-forming, rhizomatous sedge. Leaves are bright green and smooth. Basal sheaths are generally brown to purple in colour, often splitting into a ladder shape. Inflorescence consists of multiple spikes, with the terminal spike all-staminate. Bracts are shorter than the lowest pistillate spike. Perigynia are hairless, beaked and toothed, and achenes are triangular in cross-section.
Fruit develops in late spring to summer. Pistillate spikes form clusters of seeds. Each pistillate spike contains 20 to 150 achenes.

Distribution and habitat

Carex retrorsa thrives in stream and lake shores, marshes, swamps, water meadows and alongside waterways. Preferring wet areas and tolerant of some shade, it is available from speciality nurseries for such uses as ecological restoration projects, erosion control, and rain gardens.