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Carex macrocephala
Carex macrocephala Willd. ex Spreng.
Largehead Sedge, Big-head Sedge
Cyperaceae (Sedge Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: CAMA10
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), AK (N), CAN (N)
This is a coarse, low, distinctive sedge with 4-14 in. stems rising singly or few together from long, creeping rhizomes. The firm leaves are clustered near the base but often surpass the flowering head in height. The large seedhead is dense and spikelike. Big-head sedge is a perennial plant.
From the Image Gallery
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Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Grass/Grass-like
Root Type: Fibrous
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Leaf Shape: Linear
Leaf Venation: Parallel
Fruit Type: Achene
Size Notes: Up to about 14 inches tall.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , Yellow , Green , BrownBloom Time: Apr , May , Jun , Jul
Bloom Notes: Perianth absent. Bloom time refers to fruiting period for Carex spp.
Distribution
USA: AK , OR , WACanada: BC
Native Distribution: Coasts from Lincoln Co., OR to AK
Native Habitat: Sandy, coastal beaches & dunes
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: SunSoil Description: Sand.
Conditions Comments: Suitable for seaside gardens.
National Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | FAC | FACU |
Web Reference
Webref 62 - Burke Herbarium Image Collection (2020) University of WashingtonWebref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Carex macrocephala in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Carex macrocephala in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Carex macrocephala
Metadata
Record Modified: 2022-10-24Research By: TWC Staff