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Description
Carex Brevior, also known as Plains Oval Sedge or Shortbeak Sedge, is a perennial plant that belongs to the sedge family, Cyperaceae. It is native to North America and can be found in the central and eastern parts of the United States, particularly in the Great Plains region.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Cyperaceae |
| Genus | Carex |
Appearance
Carex Brevior is a clump-forming plant that grows up to 1-2 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide. It has narrow, green leaves that are about 1/8 inch wide and 6-12 inches long. The stems are triangular and have a reddish-brown color. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, and they are arranged in spikes that are 1-3 inches long. The seeds are brown and have a triangular shape.
Care Guide
Water: Carex Brevior prefers moist to wet soil, but it can tolerate some drought once established. Water it regularly during the growing season, and make sure the soil doesn’t dry out completely.
Fertilization: Carex Brevior doesn’t require much fertilization, but you can apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring if desired.
Soil: Carex Brevior prefers a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
Sunlight: Carex Brevior prefers partial shade to full sun. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can cause it to become leggy and floppy.
Hardiness Zones: Carex Brevior is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Carex Brevior is relatively pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to crown rot if grown in poorly-draining soil. It can also be affected by leaf spot and rust diseases.
Habitat
Carex Brevior is typically found in wet meadows, prairies, and open woods. It prefers soils that are rich in organic matter, and it can tolerate periodic flooding.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Carex Brevior be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Carex Brevior can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate its size and growth habit.
Q: Is Carex Brevior a good plant for erosion control?
A: Yes, Carex Brevior is a good plant for erosion control due to its fibrous root system and tolerance for wet soils.
Q: How often should Carex Brevior be divided?
A: Carex Brevior can be divided every 2-3 years in the spring to maintain its vigor and prevent overcrowding.
Q: Can Carex Brevior be used as a lawn alternative?
A: Yes, Carex Brevior can be used as a lawn alternative in areas that receive partial shade to full sun and have moist to wet soils.
Related Plants
- Carex Grayi
- Carex Comosa
- Carex Pensylvanica
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Carex Brevior. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d328
- North Carolina State University. (n.d.). Carex Brevior. Retrieved from https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/carex-brevior/
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum. (n.d.). Carex Brevior. Retrieved from https://arboretum.wisc.edu/visit/gardens/native-plants/database/carex-brevior/
