Carex inops is a species of sedge known as long-stolon sedge[1] and western oak sedge.[2] It is native to northern North America, where it occurs throughout the southern half of Canada and the western and central United States.
There are two subspecies; Carex inops subsp. inops is limited to the west coast from British Columbia to California, while Carex inops subsp. heliophila (sun sedge), is more widespread and is more common east of the Rocky Mountains.[3]
Description
This sedge produces a loose clump of stems up to 50 centimeters tall. The stiff, narrow leaves persist, with dead ones remaining around the base of the plant. The inflorescence usually has pistillate spikes below staminate spikes.[4] The plant grows from rhizomes and fibrous roots; despite its common name, it does not usually form stolons.[3]
Many types of animals consume this plant, particularly C. inops subsp. heliophila. It is considered a good forage for livestock because it is one of the first green plants to appear in the spring and animals such as cattle find it palatable.[3]
^Wilhelm, Gerould; Rericha, Laura (2017). Flora of the Chicago Region: A Floristic and Ecological Synthesis. Indiana Academy of Sciences.
^ abcdFryer, Janet L. 2009. Carex inops. In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online]. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory.
