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Carex plantaginea Lam.

Common Name: SEDGE
Coefficient of Conservatism: 8
Coefficient of Wetness: 5
Wetness Index: UPL
Physiognomy: Nt P-Sedge

Usually in rich deciduous forests, especially beech-maple-hemlock stands, but occasionally in moister ground, as under cedar; typically on hummocks, slopes, and banks. 

This is the most easily recognizable, quintessential woodland sedge in Michigan, with distinctive broad evergreen leaves with purple-red bases and a "puckered" (seersucker) texture. The bracts on the culms consist only of purple-red sheaths, lacking blades. Carex plantaginea flowers very early, with the spring ephemeral flora, when it is especially visible because of the large evergreen clumps. In fruit in early June, the plant becomes conspicuous again as the ephemerals begin to die back. This is also a fine species for adding evergreen character and textural diversity to woodland gardens.

M. Demmon

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Counties
Alcona
Alger
Allegan
Alpena
Antrim
Barry
Benzie
Berrien
Branch
Calhoun
Cass
Charlevoix
Cheboygan
Clare
Clinton
Crawford
Delta
Dickinson
Eaton
Emmet
Genesee
Gladwin
Gogebic
Grand Traverse
Gratiot
Hillsdale
Ingham
Ionia
Iron
Isabella
Kalamazoo
Kalkaska
Kent
Lake
Leelanau
Luce
Mackinac
Macomb
Manistee
Marquette
Mason
Mecosta
Menominee
Midland
Missaukee
Montcalm
Montmorency
Newaygo
Oakland
Oakland or Wayne
Oceana
Ogemaw
Ontonagon
Osceola
Otsego
Ottawa
Presque Isle
Sanilac
Shiawassee
St. Clair
Tuscola
Van Buren
Washtenaw
Wayne
Wexford

Citation:
MICHIGAN FLORA ONLINE. A. A. Reznicek, E. G. Voss, & B. S. Walters. February 2011. University of Michigan. Web. March, 17, 2025
https://lsa-miflora-p.lsait.lsa.umich.edu/#/record/1027