Contents
1. Description
Carex Lenticularis is a perennial plant that belongs to the family Cyperaceae. It is commonly known as Western Sedge or Lenticular Sedge. This plant is native to North America and is found in various habitats such as wet meadows, bogs, stream banks, and mountain slopes. The plant produces dense clumps of leaves that grow up to 60 cm tall and 45 cm wide. It also produces unisexual flowers that are green or brown in color and bloom in early summer. The plant’s fruit is a small, dark brown nutlet that is triangular in shape.
2. Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Cyperaceae |
| Genus | Carex |
| Species | Carex Lenticularis |
3. Appearance
The Carex Lenticularis is a clump-forming plant that grows between 30-60 cm in height and 45-60 cm in width. The leaves are narrow, strap-like, and have a bluish-green color. The stems are triangular in shape and have a brownish-green color. The plant produces unisexual flowers that are arranged in spikes. The male flowers are located above the female flowers and are green in color. The female flowers are located below the male flowers and are brown in color. The plant’s fruit is a small, dark brown nutlet that is triangular in shape.
4. Care Guide
Water: Carex Lenticularis grows best in moist soils. The plant requires regular watering to maintain soil moisture, especially during the growing season. Ensure that the plant’s soil is consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization: Fertilization is not necessary for Carex Lenticularis. However, you can fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a year to encourage growth and flowering.
Soil: The plant prefers moist, well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be between 5.0 and 7.5.
Sunlight: Carex Lenticularis prefers partial shade to full shade. The plant can tolerate full sun if the soil is kept consistently moist.
Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 6-9.
5. Common Pests & Diseases
Carex Lenticularis is relatively pest and disease-free. However, the plant can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is consistently waterlogged. To prevent root rot, ensure that the soil is well-draining and the plant is not overwatered.
6. Habitat
The Carex Lenticularis is native to North America and is found in various habitats such as wet meadows, bogs, stream banks, and mountain slopes. The plant is commonly found in the western parts of North America, including Alaska, California, and Colorado.
7. Question and Answer
Q: Is Carex Lenticularis an invasive species?
A: No, Carex Lenticularis is not considered an invasive species.
Q: How often should I water Carex Lenticularis?
A: The plant requires regular watering to maintain soil moisture, especially during the growing season. Ensure that the plant’s soil is consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Q: How tall does Carex Lenticularis grow?
A: Carex Lenticularis grows between 30-60 cm in height.
Q: Can Carex Lenticularis tolerate full sun?
A: Carex Lenticularis prefers partial shade to full shade. The plant can tolerate full sun if the soil is kept consistently moist.
8. Related Plants
- Carex Aquatilis
- Carex Eburnea
- Carex Emoryi
- Carex Grayi
9. References
- https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=CALC7
- https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/graminoid/carlen/all.html
- https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=calen
