Bigelow's sedge
ExplorePlants
Bigelow's sedge
Carex bigelowii
Bigelow's sedge is a grassy plant that grows in cool, wet places. It has long, slender leaves and can be found in meadows and along streams, making it a cozy home for tiny creatures.
Habitat: Wetlands
Appearance
The Bigelow's sedge has stiff, upright stems topped with small, dark brown or blackish spikelets. Its leaves are a distinctive grayish-green, forming dense, low-growing clumps. This coloration helps it blend into its arctic and alpine surroundings.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderPoalesFamilyCyperaceaeGenusCarex
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Its tiny seeds are snacks for birds and mice, giving energy in cold places!
Scientists study Bigelow's sedge to understand how plants survive climate change!
Some sedges can stay green under snow, ready to grow as soon as spring arrives!
Wow! This sedge can grow where the ground is always frozen, called permafrost!
Special abilities
Ability
Soil Hugger
Its strong, creeping roots can bind together loose soil, helping to prevent erosion in windy or watery areas.
Ability
Rhizome Runner
This sedge spreads underground using rhizomes, allowing it to quickly colonize new ground and form dense mats.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 10-50 cm
- Spread
- 20-60 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.2-0.4 cm
- Bloom Season
- Summer
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Wind
Ecological connections
eaten by
Reindeer
Rangifer tarandus
A staple food for reindeer in arctic tundras.
shelters
Tundra Vole
Microtus oeconomus
Dense tussocks provide cover from predators.
eaten by
Lapland Longspur
Calcarius lapponicus
Seeds are a food source for tundra birds.
Traits
Grass-Like
Grass-like plants are herbaceous plants that visually resemble true grasses, typically having long, narrow leaves.
Cold Hardy
Cold hardy plants are able to withstand low temperatures and freezing conditions without significant damage.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Mountain
This habitat trait identifies species found in mountainous regions, characterized by high elevation, steep slopes, and varying climate zones.
Decomposer
Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Wetland
This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs.
Keystone Species
Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always look but don't touch plants unless a grown-up says it's okay.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Bigelow's sedge?
The easiest way to identify Bigelow's sedge is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How tall is Bigelow's sedge?
10-50 cm
How wide does Bigelow's sedge spread?
20-60 cm
How big are the flowers on Bigelow's sedge?
0.2-0.4 cm
When does Bigelow's sedge bloom?
Summer
Is Bigelow's sedge edible?
No
Is Bigelow's sedge toxic?
None
What is Bigelow's sedge's lifecycle?
Perennial
Snap Map
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