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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 2′ (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:

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

Carex nigra (black sedge, smooth black sedge)

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

Carex nigra (black sedge, smooth black sedge)

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

Carex nigra (black sedge, smooth black sedge)

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

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 6 May 2023.

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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)

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

Carex nigra (black sedge, smooth black sedge)

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

Carex nigra (black sedge, smooth black sedge)

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

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 · ≈ 2 × 1′ (62 × 41 cm)

Range:

About this map...