Carex retrorsa
Species of flowering plant in the sedge family
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Carex retrorsa, (commonly known as knotsheath sedge, deflexed bottlebrush sedge, or retrorse sedge), is a widespread species of flowering plant in the family Cyperaceae, native to southern Canada and the northern United States.[1][2]
| Carex retrorsa | |
|---|---|
| |
| Seedheads remain on plant into winter, providing ornamental value | |
 | |
| Growing in nursery flats | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Cyperaceae |
| Genus: | Carex |
| Species: | C. retrorsa |
| Binomial name | |
| Carex retrorsa | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
|
List
| |
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.[3]
Fruit develops in late spring to summer. Pistillate spikes form clusters of seeds. Each pistillate spike contains 20 to 150 achenes.[3]
Distribution and habitat
Carex retrorsa thrives in stream and lake shores, marshes, swamps, water meadows and alongside waterways.[4] 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.[5][6]
