Carex nigra (L.) Reichard
Black sedge, smooth black sedge
Kingdom Plantae Plants, but not fungi, lichens, or algae
Subkingdom Tracheobionta Vascular plants—plants with a “circulatory system” for delivering water and nutrients
Division Magnoliophyta Flowering plants, also known as angiosperms
Class Liliopsida Monocots (plants with a single seed leaf); includes the lily family
Subclass Commelinidae Dayflowers and spiderworts, and several others
Order Cyperales Flowering plants including grasses
Family Cyperaceae Sedge family
Genus Carex The “true” sedges
Species nigra “Black”
About plant names...
These sedges are North American natives, as well as in Europe, western Asia, and
northwestern Africa. They are named for the black color of their flowerheads.
Identification: These sedges remain under 6″ (15 cm) in height, with
stems up to 2′ (60 cm). The black flower spikes are up to 1″ (2.5 cm) long.
By Barbara Studer
Online References:
Skye Flora
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
The Missouri Botanical Garden
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Wikimedia Commons
References:
Knobel, Edward, Field Guide to the Grasses, Sedges and Rushes of the United States , Dover Publications Inc., 1980 , p. 71
5/10/2016 · Old Long Loop, Beaver Brook Conservation Area, Hollis, New Hampshire
5/2/2023 · Brunswick Town Commons, Brunswick, Maine
4/21/2021 · Center Pond Preserve, Phippsburg, Maine · ≈ 6 × 4″ (16 × 11 cm)
Older scientific or horticultural names
Carex acuta auct. non L.
Carex goodenowii J. Gay
Carex nigra (L.) Reichard var. strictiformis (L.H. Bailey) Fernald
Carex vulgaris Fr.
Carex nigra description by Thomas H. Kent, last updated 6 May 2023.
© FloraFinder.org. All rights reserved.
6/16/2013 · Sonny and Donna’s, Tenant’s Harbor, Maine · ≈ 5 × 8″ (13 × 19 cm) ID is uncertain
4/27/2023 · Mitchell Field, Harpswell, Maine
9/20/2009 · Wild Gardens of Acadia, Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine · ≈ 2 × 1′ (62 × 41 cm)
5/10/2016 · Old Long Loop, Beaver Brook Conservation Area, Hollis, New Hampshire
6/16/2013 · Sonny and Donna’s, Tenant’s Harbor, Maine · ≈ 5 × 8″ (13 × 19 cm) ID is uncertain
9/20/2009 · Wild Gardens of Acadia, Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine · ≈ 2 × 1′ (62 × 41 cm)
Range:
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