Carex longii
USDA, NRCS. 2018. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 28 March 2018). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.
What is Long’s Sedge?
Physical Characteristics
Leaves:
- 0.06-0.13 inches wide
- Lower leaves relatively stiff
Flowers:
- Grow in clusters at tip
- Green-brown in color
- Cone-shaped
- No stalks
- 1.19-2 inches long
Fruit:
- Small nut
- 2 sided
- One seeded
- Does not open to release seed when ripe
Stem:
- 1-3 feet tall
- 0.06-0.08 inches thick
- Hollow stem
- Triangular
Where Does it Grow?
Long’s sedge can be found in the mud and shallow water.
Pros and Cons of Long’s Sedge
Sedges are considered good wildlife plants. Sedges are grazed by muskrats, nutria, and rabbits; while the seeds are consumed by waterfowl and small birds. Submerged portions of all aquatic plants provide habitats for many micro and macro invertebrates. These invertebrates in turn are used as food by fish and other wildlife species (e.g. amphibians, reptiles, ducks, etc.). After aquatic plants die, their decomposition by bacteria and fungi provides food (called “detritus”) for many aquatic invertebrates.