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Description
Carex Aquatilis, also known as the water sedge, is a perennial plant species that belongs to the family Cyperaceae. This plant is native to the Northern Hemisphere and can be found in various wetland habitats such as marshes, bogs, and fens. The plant grows in clumps and has long, narrow leaves that are dark green in color. It produces small, brownish flowers that are arranged in spikelets. The plant is an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of greenery to their water features.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Eukarya||————-|————-|| Kingdom| Plantae|| Phylum| Spermatophyta|| Class| Monocotyledonae || Order| Cyperales|| Family| Cyperaceae|| Genus| Carex|| Species| Aquatilis|
Appearance
Carex Aquatilis is a clump-forming plant that can grow up to 50cm in height. The plant has long, narrow leaves that are dark green in color. The leaves are typically 2-5mm wide and can grow up to 30cm in length. The plant produces small, brownish flowers that are arranged in spikelets. The spikelets can grow up to 4cm in length and are typically found at the top of the stems. The plant also produces small, brownish fruits that are ovoid in shape and measure around 3mm in length.
Care Guide
Carex Aquatilis requires specific care to thrive. Here are some tips for taking care of this plant:- Water: The plant prefers moist soil and should be watered regularly. It can tolerate standing water for short periods but should not be submerged for extended periods.- Fertilization: The plant does not require fertilizer, but you can add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil in the spring to promote growth.- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils.- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full sun. It can tolerate full shade but may not grow as vigorously.- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 3-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Carex Aquatilis is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is overly moist. You should avoid overwatering the plant to prevent this issue. The plant can also be affected by aphids, slugs, and snails. These pests can be controlled using insecticides or by manually removing them from the plant.
Habitat
Carex Aquatilis is a wetland plant that can be found in various habitats such as marshes, fens, bogs, and swamps. The plant is native to the Northern Hemisphere and can be found in regions such as North America, Europe, and Asia. It is commonly used in wetland restoration projects to help stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Carex Aquatilis be grown in a container?
A: Yes, Carex Aquatilis can be grown in a container as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s roots and has adequate drainage.
Q: How often should Carex Aquatilis be watered?
A: Carex Aquatilis prefers moist soil and should be watered regularly. The plant can tolerate standing water for short periods but should not be submerged for extended periods.
Q: Can Carex Aquatilis be propagated by division?
A: Yes, Carex Aquatilis can be propagated by division. The best time to do this is in the early spring before new growth begins.
Q: Is Carex Aquatilis deer-resistant?
A: Yes, Carex Aquatilis is deer-resistant.
Related Plants
Here are some plants that are related to Carex Aquatilis:- Carex elata- Carex flacca- Carex glauca- Carex oshimensis- Carex pendula
References
– “Carex aquatilis,” Missouri Botanical Garden, accessed August 20, 2021, https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=j730.- “Carex aquatilis,” Plants of the World Online, accessed August 20, 2021, http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:301013-1.
