Carex nigra (L.) Reichard

Black sedge, smooth black sedge

About plant names...

These sedges are North American natives, as well as in Europe, western Asia, and northwestern Africa. They are named for the black color of their flowerheads.

Identification: These sedges remain under 6″ (15 cm) in height, with stems up to 2′ (60 cm). The black flower spikes are up to 1″ (2.5 cm) long.

By Barbara Studer

Online References:

Skye Flora

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

The Missouri Botanical Garden

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Wikimedia Commons

References:

Knobel, Edward, Field Guide to the Grasses, Sedges and Rushes of the United States, Dover Publications Inc., 1980, p. 71

5/10/2016 · Old Long Loop, Beaver Brook Conservation Area, Hollis, New Hamp­shire

5/2/2023 · Brunswick Town Commons, Brunswick, Maine

4/21/2021 · Center Pond Preserve, Phippsburg, Maine · ≈ 6 × 4″ (16 × 11 cm)

Carex nigra description by Thomas H. Kent, last updated 6 May 2023.

© FloraFinder.org. All rights reserved.

6/16/2013 · Sonny and Donna’s, Tenant’s Harbor, Maine · ≈ 5 × 8″ (13 × 19 cm) ID is uncertain

4/27/2023 · Mitchell Field, Harpswell, Maine

9/20/2009 · Wild Gardens of Acadia, Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine · ≈ 2 × 1′ (62 × 41 cm)

5/10/2016 · Old Long Loop, Beaver Brook Conservation Area, Hollis, New Hamp­shire

6/16/2013 · Sonny and Donna’s, Tenant’s Harbor, Maine · ≈ 5 × 8″ (13 × 19 cm) ID is uncertain

9/20/2009 · Wild Gardens of Acadia, Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine · ≈ 2 × 1′ (62 × 41 cm)

Range:

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