Carex distans

Carex distans, commonly known as distant sedge,^[1][2] is a plant species in the sedge family, Cyperaceae. It is native to Europe and North Africa. It is part of a complex of similar species that occur across Eurasia. Its relatives include Carex diluta of central Asia, which has also been introduced to North America in Montana. Carex distans has been introduced to US states including Maryland and Pennsylvania.^[2] More recently, it was found in Oregon. There is a report from Victoria, Australia as well.

Carex distans
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Monocots
Clade:	Commelinids
Order:	Poales
Family:	Cyperaceae
Genus:	Carex
Section:	Carex sect. Spirostachyae
Species:	C. distans
Binomial name
Carex distans L.

Description

C. distans is densely cespitose and 40–80 centimetres (16–31 in) tall. Leaves: sheaths are brown to orange-brown; blades are green, flat and 3–4.5 millimetres (0.12–0.18 in) wide. The inflorescence consists of widely separated spikes. The terminal spike is staminate and the lower 2–4 spikes are pistillate. The perigynia (also called utricles) are green to brownish, 3.5–4.6 millimetres (0.14–0.18 in) long, contracted to a beak 1–1.4 millimetres (0.039–0.055 in) long. Stigmas are 3 and achenes trigonous. 2n = 68, 70–72, 74.^[3]

Distribution and habitat

In Europe, this sedge grows in wetlands and fens, often on sandy or rocky soils. It can grow in brackish marshes and is especially common along coastlines.^[4] In the United States, it is found on ballast dumps and in other disturbed, sandy locations. The species is widespread and its overall population appears stable.^{[citation needed]}