| Carex aquatilis | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Cyperaceae |
| Genus: | Carex |
| Section: | Carexsect. Phacocystis |
| Species: | C. aquatilis |
| Binomial name | |
| Carex aquatilis | |
Carex aquatilis is a species ofsedge known aswater sedge andleafy tussock sedge. It has acircumboreal distribution, occurring throughout the northern reaches of the Northern Hemisphere. It grows in many types of mountainous andarctic habitat, includingtemperate coniferous forest,alpine meadows,tundra, andwetlands.
There are several varieties of this species, and it is somewhat variable in appearance. It produces triangular stems reaching heights between 20 cm (8 in) and 1.5 m (5 ft), and generally does not form clumps as some other sedges do. It grows from a denserhizome network which produces a mat of fine roots thick enough to formsod, and includesaerenchyma to allow the plant to survive in low-oxygen substrates like heavy mud.[3] Theinflorescence bears a number of spikes with one leaflikebract at the base which is longer than the inflorescence itself. The fruits are glossyachenes, and although the plant occasionally reproduces by seed, most of the time itreproduces vegetatively, spreading via its rhizome.[3] In fact, in any given year, most shoots produce no flowers.[3] This perennial plant lives up to 10 years or more, can formpeat as its rhizome system decomposes, and is sometimes used torevegetate areas where peat has been harvested.[3]
