Bigleaf sedge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bigleaf sedge |
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C. amplifolia
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| Carex amplifolia Boott
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Carex amplifolia is a type of plant known as a sedge. Its common name is bigleaf sedge because it has noticeably wide leaves. This plant grows naturally in western North America. You can find it from British Columbia in Canada, south through states like Montana, and all the way to California. It prefers to grow in places that are wet, or become wet during certain seasons, often in forests with cone-bearing trees.
What Does Bigleaf Sedge Look Like?
This sedge grows from special underground stems called rhizomes. These rhizomes help the plant spread and grow new stems. The stems can reach a height of 50 to 100 centimeters, which is about 1.5 to 3 feet tall.
The stems of the bigleaf sedge have small "wings" and their bases often have a reddish color. Long, somewhat hairy leaves wrap around these stems. These leaves can be up to 2 centimeters (about 0.8 inches) wide.
At the top of the stems, you'll find the plant's flowers. These flowers grow in a cluster called an inflorescence. The inflorescence is made up of 5 to 8 long, cylinder-shaped spikes. Each spike can be 10 to 14 centimeters (about 4 to 5.5 inches) long. Each of these spikes is packed with hundreds of tiny individual flowers.
Where Does Bigleaf Sedge Grow?
Bigleaf sedge is native to a large area of western North America. Its natural habitat includes parts of Canada and the United States. It thrives in damp environments. You might find it near streams, in wet meadows, or in other areas where the soil stays moist. It is often found in coniferous forests, which are forests mainly made up of trees like pines, spruces, and firs.
See also
In Spanish: Carex amplifolia para niños
