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Nebraska
Sedge
Common
Name(s):
Nebraska Sedge
Scientific
Name:
Carex
nebrascensis Dewey
Scientific
Name Synonyms:
none known
Symbol:
CANE2
Description:
Life
Span: Perennial
Origin:Native
Season: Cool
Growth Characteristics:
A
loosely to densely tufted sedge, 8 to 36 inches tall, with numerous
rhizomes. Rhizomes are stout, brown or straw-colored, and scaly.
Stems triangular, not hollow. Reproduces from seed and rhizomes
Seedhead:
Terminal spikes are male and relatively narrow. The lateral spikes
are female, 1/3 to 1 ½ inches long, with purple to brownish-black
scales. The lowest spike is subtended by a leafy bract as long as
or longer than the inflorescence.
Leaves: Alternate,
elongated, shorter or longer than the stem, up to ½ inch
wide, smooth or sometimes roughened along the edges. Leaves are
flat, but have a v-shaped trough along the midvein. Leaves are often
bluish colored; sheaths are yellow-brown.
Ecological
Adaptations:
Nebraska
sedge occurs from the lower valleys to the spruce-fir zone, its
determining factor being water rather than elevation. It is one
of the most common sedges in sagebrush areas. Nebraska sedge reproduces
by rhizomes and seed production, although seedling establishment
is rare. Shoots from rhizomes are produced throughout the growing
season and into late fall. Due to the habitat in which it occurs,
Nebraska sedge can be damaged through excessive overgrazing and
the trampling associated with it on wet soils.
Soils: It
occurs on clay loam soils with adequate moisture.
Associated Species:
Associated
species include wirerush, timothy,
water sedge, and other native sedges. In disturbed areas, it can
be found with Kentucky bluegrass
and redtop.
Uses and
Management:
Nebraska
sedge is a valuable forage species, highly palatable to cattle,
horses, and elk, and moderately palatable to sheep and mule deer.
Because it is a common riparian species, Nebraska sedge is an important
indicator of the effects of grazing in riparian areas. Heavy, repeated
summer and fall grazing, or season-long grazing, will result in
Nebraska sedge being replaced by more grazing resistant species
such as Kentucky bluegrass.
Nebraska sedge forms a dense, deep root system which provides excellent
resistance to soil compaction and erosion. It will stabilize overhanging
banks along streams, providing fish habitat.
Native Americans used the fibers for mats and bedding and ate the
rootstocks.
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