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Carex nigra (L.) Reichard

Black sedge, smooth black sedge

KingdomPlantaePlants, but not fungi, lichens, or algae
SubkingdomTracheobiontaVascular plants—plants with a “circulatory system” for delivering water and nutrients
DivisionMagnoliophytaFlowering plants, also known as angiosperms
ClassLiliopsidaMonocots (plants with a single seed leaf); includes the lily family
SubclassCommelinidaeDayflowers and spiderworts, and several others
OrderCyperalesFlowering plants including grasses
FamilyCyperaceaeSedge family
GenusCarexThe “true” sedges
Speciesnigra“Black”

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 24" (60 cm). The black flower spikes are up to 1" (2.5 cm) long.

Carex nigra (black sedge, smooth black sedge)

By Barbara Studer

Online References:

Carex nigra on

Carex nigra at Skye Flora

Carex nigra at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Carex nigra on

Carex nigra at the Missouri Botanical Garden

Carex nigra at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Carex nigra on Wikimedia Commons

References:

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

Carex acuta auct. non L.

Carex goodenowii J. Gay

Carex nigra (L.) Reichard var. strictiformis (L.H. Bailey) Fernald

Carex vulgaris Fr.

 

Carex nigra description by Thomas H. Kent, last updated 25 May 2020.

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Carex nigra (black sedge, smooth black sedge)

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

Carex nigra (black sedge, smooth black sedge)

9/20/2009 · Wild Gardens of Acadia, Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine
≈ 24 × 16" (62 × 41 cm)

Carex nigra (black sedge, smooth black sedge)

6/16/2013 · Sonny and Donna’s, Tenant’s Harbor, Maine
≈ 3½ × 5" (9.8 × 13 cm) ID is uncertain

Carex nigra (black sedge, smooth black sedge)

9/20/2009 · Wild Gardens of Acadia, Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine
≈ 24 × 16" (62 × 41 cm)

Range:

About this map...