Carex exilis

Carex exilis, common name coastal sedge^[3] or meager sedge, is a species of grass-like plant in the Cyperaceae family. It is native to North America and Canada, with several disjunct populations from southern Canada to the Gulf Coast.^[4]

Carex exilis
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Monocots
Clade:	Commelinids
Order:	Poales
Family:	Cyperaceae
Genus:	Carex
Subgenus:	Carex subg. Vignea
Section:	Carex sect. Stellulatae
Species:	C. exilis
Binomial name
Carex exilis Dewey
Synonyms[2]
Vignea exilis Dewey Raf. Carex exilis var. androgyna Dewey Carex exilis var. squamacea Dewey

Description

Carex exilis is a densely tufted, tussock-forming plant, with stiff, smooth stems reaching 12–80 cm. in height. Leaves number between 2–6 per stem. Inflorescences usually take the form of solitary spikes.^[5]

Distribution and habitat

Carex exilis favours wetland, acidic conditions such as sphagnum bogs, peatlands and fens^[6] and other wet, low, open places.

Although not classed as a conservation risk by the IUCN across most of its distribution range, it is listed as an endangered species in Connecticut by state authorities.^[7]