Squarrose Sedge, Narrow-Leaved Cattail Sedge

Carex squarrosa

KAR-eks  skwa-RO-suh

Synonyms of Carex squarrosa (4) (Updated on 12-15-23 from Plants of the World Online): Carex squarrosa f. robusta Peck, Carex squarrosa var. typhinoides (Schwein.) Dewey, Carex typhinoides Schwein., Vignea squarrosa (L.) Rchb.

Carex squarrosa L. is the accepted scientific name for this species of Carex. Both the genus and species were named and described as such by Carl von Linnaeus in the second volume of the first edition of Species Plantarum in 1753.

As of 12-15-23 when this page was last updated, Plants of the World Online lists 2,061 species in the Carex genus. It is a member of the plant family Cyperaceae with 94 genera. Those numbers could change as updates are made on POWO.

The above distribution map for Carex squarrosa is from Plants of the World Online. Areas in green are where the species is native. The map on the USDA Plants Database for the United States and Canada is similar but also includes the state of Wisconsin.

The map on iNaturalist shows where members have made observations. Anyone can join and it is a great website to confirm and share your observations. The maps on iNaturalist are continually updated as members post new observations. 

THERE ARE SEVERAL LINKS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE FOR FURTHER READING AND TO HELP WITH A BETTER PLANT ID.

I found a colony of Carex granularis while wildflower hunting on a friend’s farm on May 10 in 2020. Carex species are quite common, with Missouri Plants listing 25 species and Plants of the World Online listing 2,034 worldwide as of 12-20-22. I finally identified Carex squarrosa here in 2021 and again in 2022.

All Carex species are perennial and grow from rhizomes, stolons, or short rootstocks. The leaves look like any other ordinary grass at a glance. The flower-bearing stalks (culms) are unbranched and grow to around 2’ tall or more. 

Honestly, I read descriptions of this species on several websites and to re-write in my own words would be very complicated. I always heard a photo is worth a thousand words… It would probably be much better for you to look at the photos and then go to Missouri Plants and Illinois Wildflowers to read their descriptions.

<<<<2021>>>>

I found this colony of Carex squarrosa growing on my farm on May 24 in 2021. Just never know what you will find when you have a closer look…

Sedges grow in a variety of habitats but seem to prefer moist to wet soil in full to part shade. Several species of caterpillars and grasshoppers feed on their leaves and the seeds are eaten by a number of birds. Cattle may eat the leaves, but it is not favored by deer or rabbits.

<<<<2022>>>>

I don’t remember exactly where I found the colony here in 2022. Maybe in the same general area as in 2021.

Grasses in general haven’t been my “thing” because they can be quite complicated even though one might think they are simple. Sedges are not exactly grasses. They are “grass-like”. 🙂 Until they flower, to me they are grass… I have a lot of grass… 🙂

I have enjoyed photographing and learning about the many wildflowers growing on the family farm and other areas. The farm is in Windsor, Missouri in Pettis County (Henry County is across the street and Benton and Johnson aren’t far away). I have grown over 500 different plants and identified over 250 species of wildflowers (most have pages listed on the right side of the page). I am not an expert, botanist, or horticulturalist. I just like growing, photographing, and writing about my experience. I rely on several websites for ID and a few horticulturalists I contact if I cannot figure them out. Wildflowers can be somewhat variable from location to location, so sometimes it gets a bit confusing. If you see I have made an error, please let me know so I can correct what I have written.

I hope you found this page useful and be sure to check the links below for more information. They were written by experts and provide much more information. Some sites may not be up-to-date but they are always a work in progress. If you can, I would appreciate it if you would click on the “Like” below and leave a comment. It helps us bloggers stay motivated. You can also send an email to me at thebelmontrooster@yahoo.com. I would enjoy hearing from you especially if you notice something is a bit whacky.

FOR FURTHER READING:
PLANTS OF THE WORLD ONLINE (GENUS/SPECIES)
INTERNATIONAL PLANT NAMES INDEX (GENUS/SPECIES)
TROPICOS (GENUS/SPECIES)
FLORA OF NORTH AMERICA (GENUS/SPECIES)
WORLD FLORA ONLINE (GENUS/SPECIES)
WIKIPEDIA (GENUS/SPECIES)
USDA PLANTS DATABASE
DAVE’S GARDEN
MISSOURI PLANTS
MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN
iNATURALIST
WILDFLOWER SEARCH
ILLINOIS WILDFLOWERS
GO BOTANY
FLORA OF NORTH AMERICA

NOTE: The data (figures, maps, accepted names, etc.) may not match on these websites. It depends on when and how they make updates and when their sources make updates. Some websites have hundreds and even many thousands of species to keep up with. Accepted scientific names change periodically and it can be hard to keep with as well. Some of the links may use a name that is a synonym on other sites. In my opinion, Plants of the World Online by Kew is one of the most reliable and up-to-date plant databases and they make updates regularly. I make updates “at least” once a year and when I write new pages or add new photos but I do get behind. We are all a work in progress. 🙂