Field Guide to the Sedges of the Pacific Northwest: Second Edition

by Barbara L. Wilson

Overview

Field Guide to the Sedges of the Pacific Northwest is an illustrated guide to all 169 species, subspecies, and varieties in the genus Carex that grow in the wild in Oregon and Washington. Most of these species are found throughout the Pacific Northwest and California. This updated second edition includes eight additional species documented in the region since the guide was first published, along with an improved identification key, updated nomenclature and taxonomy, revised range maps, and improved illustrations.

Sedges can be difficult to identify, with differences between species based on small, technical characters. This comprehensive guide contains identification keys, descriptions, more than 650 color photographs, and distribution maps for each species, providing users with helpful tools and tips for identifying the plants in this challenging group. Information about sedge ecology, habitat, management and restoration, ethnobotanical uses, and propagation enhances the guide’s utility.

Field Guide to the Sedges of the Pacific Northwest provides an invaluable resource for botanists, land managers, restoration ecologists, and plant enthusiasts. And, as the genus Carex becomes increasingly important amongst landscapers, nurseries, and gardeners, the guide will serve as a handy tool for choosing Northwest natives for the garden.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780870717284
Publisher:	Oregon State University Press
Publication date:	04/01/2014
Edition description:	1
Pages:	432
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

The Carex Working Group is made up of Oregon botanists fascinated by sedges, grasses, willows, and other difficult-to-identify plant groups. In addition to writing about and photographing sedges, CWG completes botanical inventories, rare plant surveys, and natural resource planning projects; teaches plant identification workshops; and conducts taxonomic research on plants of the western United States.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments 10

Introduction 12

Carex Ecology 14

Carex Nomenclature and Classification 22

Carex Morphology 26

Sedge Parts (illustrations) 28

Collecting Sedges 31

How to Use the Identification Key 33

Abbreviations and Symbols 36

Identification Key to Sedges of the Pacific Northwest 37

Key A Inflorescences consisting of a single spike 38

Key B Inflorescences normally entirely staminate 41

Key C Perigynia hairy 42

Key D Kobresia; perigynia open on one side; short cespitose plants of high elevations 44

Key E Styles persistent; perigynia usually ± inflated 44

Key F Stigmas 3; perigynia not pubescent; styles deciduous 45

Key G Stigmas 2 51

Key H Stigmas 2; perigynia unwinged; spikes androgynous, entirely pistillate or with staminate flowers mixed irregularly among the pistillate flowers 55

Key I Stigmas 2; spikes gynecandrous; perigynia unwinged 60

Key J Perigynia winged; stigmas 2; mainly section Ovales 62

Map of the Counties of Oregon and Washington 70

Species Accounts 71

Sedges to Watch for in Oregon and Washington 410

Sedges with Distinctive Traits or Habitats 412

Glossary 415

Illustration Credits 420

References 422

Index 424