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Sedges
Scientific Name:
Acorus calamus
Type:
Herbaceous Plant
Habitat:
Around water; prefers marshes and wetlands
Range:
Native to Europe and Asia; introduced to North America
Status:
Least Concern (IUCN Red List)
This species is
NATIVE
to the Truckee Meadows.
Identification:
Sedges are reed-like aquatic plants that appear similar to grass. However, sedges and grass can be easily distinguished from each other when examining their stems. Unlike grasses, sedges have solid stems which are triangular in shape. An easy way to remember is by using the phrase “sedges have edges”.
Fast Facts:
Sedges were often spread along the floors of churches and homes due to its sweet fragrance. This species is sometimes called “sweet sedge” because of its agreeable scent!
“Acorus” refers to the Greek name for the center of the eye. This plant has been used to cure diseases in the eye.
This plant has rhizomes, sometimes referred to as “creeping rootstocks”.
Sources:
Contributor(s):
Bridget Mulkerin (research & content)
Alex Shahbazi (edits & page design)
Last Updated:
June 1, 2021 at 11:30:44 PM
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