Sheep sedge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sheep sedge |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Carex
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| Species: |
illota
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Carex illota, also known as sheep sedge, is a type of plant that looks a bit like grass. It belongs to a group of plants called sedges. You can find this plant growing naturally in the western parts of North America.
Sheep sedge loves wet places! It often grows in marshes, which are like wet grasslands, and in mountain meadows. Its home range stretches from New Mexico and California in the south, all the way north into Western Canada.
Contents
What Does Sheep Sedge Look Like?
Sheep sedge grows in thick bunches, almost like a small bush. Its stems can stand up to about 38 centimeters (about 15 inches) tall.
Leaves and Flowers
Each stem has a few leaves that can grow up to 18 centimeters (about 7 inches) long. The plant also has a special part called an inflorescence. This is where its flowers and seeds are found. For sheep sedge, the inflorescence looks like a tight, dark brown cluster of small spikes. Each spike is only about a centimeter (less than half an inch) long. These clusters often nod or droop slightly.
Where Does Sheep Sedge Grow?
This plant is found in many different areas across western North America. It prefers places where the ground is usually wet.
Habitats
- Marshes: These are wetlands often found near lakes or rivers, with soft, wet ground.
- Mountain Meadows: These are open, grassy areas found in mountains, often with streams or damp soil.
It grows in various states and provinces, including New Mexico, California, and parts of Western Canada.
See also
- In Spanish: Carex illota para niños
