Carex elata explained

Carex elata (common name, tufted sedge), is a species of tussock-forming, grass-like plant in the Cyperaceae family. It is native to all of Europe, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Turkey, Iran and Central Asia.^[1]

Description

Carex elata is a tussock-forming, evergreen perennial, growing to 1.2 m (4ft) by 1.5 m (5ft). Foliage is bright gold, with green margins.^[2] It flowers from May to June, and seeds ripen from July to August. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant).^[3]

Its cultivar 'Aurea' has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.^[4]

Distribution and habitat

Carex elata grows best in nutrient-rich, wetland conditions, such as marshes, fens, wet woods, and shallow water margins.^[5]

Subspecies

The following subspecies are currently accepted:^[1]

• Carex elata subsp. elata
• Carex elata subsp. omskiana (Meinsh.) Jalas (synonym: Carex omskiana Meinsh.)^[6]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Carex elata All. . . 2017 . Plants of the World Online . Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew . 27 September 2020 .
2. Web site: Tufted Sedge (Carex elata (Carex stricta))-Hort Answers - University of Illinois Extension . 2024-11-12 . web.extension.illinois.edu.
3. Web site: Carex elata Tufted Sedge, Golden Variegated Sedge, Tufted Sedge PFAF Plant Database . 2024-11-12 . pfaf.org.
4. Web site: Carex elata 'Aurea' Bowles' golden sedge . The Royal Horticultural Society . 27 September 2020 . Synonyms Carex stricta 'Bowles's Variety'; Carex stricta 'Bowles's Golden'; Carex 'Bowles Golden'; Carex stricta 'Aurea'; Carex elata 'Bowles's Golden'; Carex riparia 'Bowles's Golden' .
5. Web site: TUFTED SEDGE Carex elata . 2024-11-12 . Celtic Wildflowers . en.
6. Web site: Carex omskiana Meinsh. . www.worldfloraonline.org . 15 February 2021.