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2026 Year of the Carex Sedges
Sedges in the genus Carex are among Maryland’s most diverse and ecologically important native plants. Often overlooked because they resemble grasses, Carex sedges help define wetlands, forests, meadows, barrens, and tidal systems across the state. Their presence can reveal important clues about soil chemistry, water movement, habitat quality, and conservation value.
Upcoming events
| ResourcesCarex as Problem-Solving Perennials (external link) This research report details Mt. Cuba’s top Carex performers. The species and cultivars were ranked for performance in garden settings. Descriptions of all 70 plants (caution, not all are native to Maryland) included in the trial are available at mtcubacenter.org/carex |
Maryland’s Most Species-Rich Plant GenusCarex is the largest genus of vascular plants in Maryland, with 166 taxa recorded in the state. These sedges occur in nearly every kind of habitat, from roadside ditches and urban lots to rare fens, barrens, glades, tidal marshes, and pristine wetlands. Their diversity reflects their ability to adapt to many combinations of soil, moisture, disturbance, and climate. Maryland Biodiversity Project (MBP) Checklist of Carex (external link) Maryland Biodiversity Project (MBP) Checklist of Carex (PDF) What Are Sedges?Sedges belong to the Cyperaceae, or sedge family, one of the largest plant families in Maryland. While sedges can look grass-like at first glance, true sedges in the genus Carex have traits that set them apart, including solid, often triangular stems and leaves arranged in three ranks. Carex species are also distinguished by a structure called the perigynium, a sac-like covering around the ovary that is important for identification. Quick ID Tip: Carex species often have triangular stems, three-ranked leaves, and perigynia. These features help separate them from grasses and rushes. |
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Carex Across Maryland
Appalachian Plateau
Western Maryland, especially Garrett County, supports Carex species more typical of colder northern regions. These species often occur in peaty, nutrient-poor, saturated soils such as fens and high-elevation sedge meadows. Their presence points to rare habitats with high conservation value.
Example species with MBP links: Carex trisperma, Carex utriculata, Carex tuckermanii, Carex echinata, Carex diandra
Piedmont
Maryland’s Piedmont contains unusual geology, including serpentine and diabase barrens. These rare substrates support specialized Carex species that may occur in only a few locations. Some sedges are tied closely to soil chemistry, including nutrient-poor or magnesium-rich soils.
Example species with MBP links: Carex richardsonii, Carex hystericina, Carex meadii, Carex interior, Carex tetanica var. canbyi
Coastal Plain
The Atlantic Coastal Plain covers much of Maryland and contains many important sedge habitats, including wetlands, savannas, roadside openings, powerline corridors, tidal systems, and Delmarva Bays. Some Carex species now persist in human-maintained open habitats where mowing or other disturbance prevents woody plants from taking over.
Example species with MBP links: Carex vestita, Carex striata, Carex joorii, Carex glaucescens, Carex lupuliformis, Carex gigantea
How to photograph Carex
Carex sedges can be hard to identify from a single photo. For the best chance of a reliable ID, include:
- Habitat: wetland, forest, roadside, meadow, bog, etc.
- Whole plant: clumping or spreading habit.
- Inflorescence: spikes, bracts, and overall arrangement.
- Perigynia: close-ups of the seed-like sacs, with scales if possible.
- Leaf sheath: front of the sheath and lower plant base.
- Notes: leaf width, perigynium length, color, and moisture conditions.
Tip: More angles and close-ups make Carex observations much easier to identify.
Read More: https://www.inaturalist.org/journal/sedgequeen/55012-what-to-photo-carex-sedges