Description

Soft-leaved Sedge is a relatively delicate perennial grass-like plant that produces wide-spreading underground stems, or rhizomes. The three-sided aerial stems may grow to 0.3 m in height, but are often shorter. The leaves have a sheathing basal portion and an elongate and narrow blade that is alternately arranged and about 1-2 mm in width. The minute flowers, which appear in spring, are scattered in alternately arranged groups along the upper parts of the stem, with the male flowers at the very top and the female flowers (usually 1-6 per cluster) directly below. The plant is most recognizable when fruiting in late spring and early summer, with the fruits being enclosed in sac-like structures, or perigynia, which are about 2.5 mm in length and rounded in cross-section.

Rank Justification

Vulnerable in the nation or state due to a restricted range, relatively few populations (often 80 or fewer), recent and widespread declines, or other factors making it vulnerable to extirpation.

The PA Biological Survey (PABS) considers Soft-leaved Sedge to be a species of special concern, based on the moderate number of locations recently confirmed and the wetland habitat. It has a PA legal rarity status and a PABS suggested rarity status of Rare.