About Carex gravida L.H.Bailey
This species of sedge, Carex gravida L.H.Bailey, often grows into densely packed turf-like formations, with no obvious rhizomes present on individual plants. Its culms range from 20 to 100 cm (7.9 to 39.4 in) in length, measuring 2.5 to 8 mm (0.098 to 0.315 in) wide at the base and 0.7 to 1.6 mm (0.028 to 0.063 in) wide at the terminus. Leaves are enclosed in loose sheaths. Leaves themselves are 4 to 8 mm (0.16 to 0.31 in) wide, with green and white striping at their terminal end and transverse veins on the back of the leaf. The front side of the leaf is covered in projections that are 2 to 7 mm (0.079 to 0.276 in) long. It produces inflorescences holding five to fifteen spikes, each 1 to 5 cm (0.39 to 1.97 in) long and 8 to 15 mm (0.31 to 0.59 in) wide. This sedge grows primarily in temperate biomes. In Canada, its native range spans south eastern Canada, from the province of Saskatchewan in the west eastward through Manitoba to Ontario. In the United States, its native range extends west to Montana in the north, and south to Texas and New Mexico in the southwest. It reaches as far northeast as New York, and as far southeast as approximately Virginia. It has been introduced to Delaware, Maryland, and North Carolina.
