Carex barbarae facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Carex barbarae |
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| Scientific classification | |
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Carex
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| Species: |
barbarae
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Carex barbarae is a type of plant called a sedge. It is commonly known as the Santa Barbara sedge. This plant grows in wet areas in the western United States.
Contents
What Does Santa Barbara Sedge Look Like?
The Santa Barbara sedge grows tall, straight stems. These stems can reach about one meter (or three feet) in height. They are smooth and do not have any hairs. Unlike some other sedges, this plant does not grow in big clumps.
Its leaves are long and thin. They are also quite tough. Near the bottom of the plant, the leaves have special coverings called basal sheaths. These sheaths can be red-spotted or purple. They often look like they are shredding.
The plant also has flower clusters called an inflorescence. These clusters have spikes that can stand up straight or droop downwards. Each spike can be up to about 8 centimeters (3 inches) long. A long leaf-like part, called a bract, grows near the spikes. This bract is usually longer than the spikes themselves.
After flowering, the plant produces fruits. Each fruit is covered by a sac called a perigynium. This sac is usually light to dark brown. Sometimes, it has red spots. The perigynium is tough and leathery. It might even have a small, toothed, or hairy tip. However, it is rare for this plant to produce many fruits. Most Santa Barbara sedge plants remain sterile, meaning they do not make seeds.
Where Does Santa Barbara Sedge Grow?
The Santa Barbara sedge is found naturally in the western parts of the United States. You can find it growing in California and Oregon.
This plant loves wet places. It often grows in areas that are wet all the time or become wet during certain seasons. You might see it in damp meadows or along the banks of rivers.
How Was Santa Barbara Sedge Used?
Long ago, Native American groups in California used parts of the Santa Barbara sedge. They found it very useful for making things.
Groups like the Maidu and Pomo people used the sedge in their basketry. They would weave the tough fibers of the plant to create beautiful and strong baskets. The sedge was also used as a strong fiber for sewing.
See also
In Spanish: Carex barbarae para niños
