Mertens' sedge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Carex mertensii |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| (unranked): | |
| (unranked): | |
| (unranked): | |
| Order: | |
| Family: | |
| Genus: | |
| Species: |
C. mertensii
|
| Binomial name | |
| Carex mertensii J.D. Prescott ex Bong.
|
|
| Synonyms | |
|
Carex columbiana |
|
Carex mertensii, also known as Mertens' sedge, is a type of sedge plant. Sedges are grass-like plants that often grow in wet places. This plant is found in the western parts of North America. You can see it growing from Alaska all the way down to California and east to Montana. It likes to live in damp or wet areas, especially in mountain forests and meadows.
About Mertens' Sedge
Mertens' sedge grows in clumps, meaning many stems grow close together from one spot. These stems can get quite tall, usually between 80 and 120 centimeters. That's about 2.5 to 4 feet!
Leaves and Stems
The leaves of this sedge are not very big. The ones near the bottom of the stems are mostly just sheaths. A sheath is like a protective cover around the stem.
Flowers and Reproduction
The flowers of Mertens' sedge grow in a special group called an inflorescence. This inflorescence looks like a tightly packed, bullet-shaped cluster. These clusters often hang down from long stalks called peduncles. Each flower cluster is usually about 2 to 4 centimeters long. Each tiny flower in the cluster has a dark-colored bract. A bract is a small, leaf-like part that grows near a flower.
Where It Grows
Mertens' sedge is native to western North America. It thrives in places with plenty of moisture. This includes damp forests and open meadows in mountainous regions. Its ability to grow in these wet conditions helps it survive and spread.
See also
In Spanish: Carex mertensii para niños
