The Stiff Sedge

The stiff sedge (Carex elata, synonyms: Carex stricta and Carex hudsonii) is a perennial in the cypergrassenfamilie (Cyperaceae). The plant is native to western and central Europe and the Caucasus. Cultivars of the stiff sedge, as the golden sedge (Carex elata 'Aurea') are planted in ornamental gardens. The stiff sedge resembles the black sedge (Carex nigra), but is denser and more pollen than black sedge.

The plant is 50-100 cm tall and forms a dense clump. The lower leaf sheaths have no blade, are frayed and tan in color. The leaf sheath is at the base of the stem a fine vezelnet. The gray-green leaves are 2-7 mm wide.

The plant blooms in April and May The lower bract is shorter than the inflorescence. The plant provides up to three male and one to four female counterparts. The male spikes are usually above the female spikes. The male spikes are 2-5 cm long and the female spikes are 1.5 to 7 cm long. The inflated urntjes are 3-5 mm long and are a kind of bracts that are the fruit down. At urntje is an ant sandwich and the fruit are long beaks. The ovary has two stamps.

The nuts are lenticular.

The stiff sedge is found along the water surface in marshes, swamps in forests, in wet meadows and fens richer food.



Source: http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stijve_zegge


See also: International Flower Delivery, Florist