KNP Rare Plants Database


 
KY Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves




Finely-nerved Sedge
Carex leptonervia
Family: Cyperaceae

Protection Status:
State Status:  E
USFWS Status: 

Global Rank: G4
State Rank: S1

   

Photo by University of Tennessee Herbarium (TENN)
Habitat:
Nutrient-rich forests, such as rich, seepy northern hardwood forests (Weakley 1998).

Species Description:
Perennial sedge.

Phenology:
Flowering Period: Early May to late June.
Fruiting Period: Early June to late July.

Additional Information at NatureServe

Diagnostic Characteristics:
Very similar to other members of the section Laxiflorae, especially C. laxiflora, which occurs in similar habitats. One distinguishing feature is that it has an obtuse angled perigynia which is nearly to completely nerveless, while most of the other Laxiflorae are strongly nerved. This a tufted deep green plant with brown basal sheaths. Terminal spike is staminate. The perigynia tapers to the base, is 2-ribbed, and obscurely 3-sided.

Management:
Timber removal would be detrimental. Disturbance of surrounding areas such as ATV trails, timber removal or any activity that results in increased erosion and weed invasion will be detrimental. Exotic pest plants are a threat to this species.

Global Range:


Known Kentucky Occurrences:
Species occurrence map

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Data Last Updated: November 2018
Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves
300 Sower Blvd
Frankfort,KY 40601
Phone: (502) 573-2886
Email:
naturepreserves@ky.gov
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