Common Name:
SEDGE
Synonym:
Carex tetanica
|
Coefficient of Conservatism:
8
Coefficient of Wetness:
0
Wetness Index:
FAC
Physiognomy:
Nt P-Sedge
Included in C. tetanica in Michigan Flora.
Moist to dry prairies, sedge meadows.
Often in drier ground than the very similar C. tetanica. The distinctions between these two species are sometimes difficult to apply in southern Michigan and there are some transitional specimens (here mapped with C. tetanica), though over much of their range the species are relatively easy to distinguish. The perigynia of C. meadii tend to be larger (3–4.3 mm long) and the spikes thicker (4.5–7 mm wide) and more densely flowered than in C. tetanica. In C. tetanica the larger perigynia are 2.5–3.5 mm long, in spikes ca. 3–5.5 mm thick. At least some perigynia in C. meadii have a short, strongly outcurved beak (the orifice around the style thus bent to one side), while in C. tetanica the perigynia are often ± evenly and broadly tapered or rounded at the apex. Later in the season, after fruiting, the vegetative shoots of C. meadii are much wider leaved and often denser than C. tetanica, sometimes forming conspicuous stands. See also note under C. ormostachya (sect. Laxiflorae).