Coefficient of Conservatism:
3
Coefficient of Wetness:
-5
Wetness Index:
OBL
Physiognomy:
Nt P-Sedge
L. Wallis
Widespread in wet places, especially fens and cedar (or spruce and tamarack) swamps; also on shores, in open meadows, and along streams; usually in calcareous soils.
This is by far the most common species of section Stellulatae, especially in southen Michigan. growing in a range of habitats. It is usually quite easy to recognize, being a delicate plant, typically having (2–) 3 (–4) spikes, the terminal with an unusually long staminate base, and (in the sun) a characteristic chestnut bown aspect to the spikes. Occasionally, especially in some southern Michigan peatlands, plants will have more spikes and be stouter, but with perigynia too small and short beaked for Carex echinata. These have sometimes been called C. laricina, and may represent lingering introgressants from past hybridization with C. echinata.