Species Factsheets
Carex shortiana
Short's Sedge
State Status: N
PBS Status: Pennsylvania Rare (PR)
Federal Status:
Global Rank: G5
rank interpretation
State Rank: S3
Did You Know?
The leaves of this species are typical of most sedges, but the dark brown color of its mature spikelets make the species showy in early summer.
Description
Short's sedge (Carex shortiana) is a tufted, perennial, grass-like plant that can reach from 20cm to 1m in height. Its tall flowering stems are light green, hairless, and three-sided, particularly near the base. The leaves grow from the base and alternately along the stems. The smooth, leaf blades are up to 30cm long and one centimeter wide. Blades are often indented along the central vein, which gives the leaf a channeled appearance. The flowers are held in densely packed, cylindrical spikes that become dark brown as they mature. Clusters of three to six spikes are produced at the top of each flowering stem. The lower spikes usually contain all female flowers while the upper spikes have female flowers at the top and male flowers below.
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.
PABS
The PA Biological Survey considers Short's sedge to be a species of special concern, based on the relatively few occurrences that have been confirmed and its relatively infrequent wetland habitat. It has been assigned a rarity status of Rare.
Habitat
It grows in calcareous wet meadows and swamps or in rich woods.
Survey Dates
Fruits May - late July
Distribution
Threats
Throughout the range of this species, habitat loss, land conversion for development, and displacement by invasive species have all played a part in its decline. Its wetland habitats are also sensitive to habitat fragmentation and changes in hydrology that could alter water levels or chemistry.
Management
Maintenance of known populations and preservation of the communities where Short's sedge grows will be crucial to its survival. Creating buffers around fragmented habitat and removal of invasive species will help to maintain populations and encourage new population growth. The management of the known sites requires long term monitoring of populations. Potential sites for restoration should be evaluated.
Conservation Status Map
NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life [web application]. Version 7.1. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. Available https://explorer.natureserve.org.
https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/grasses/plants/short_sedge.htm
- NatureServe. 2018. NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life [web application]. Version 7.1. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. Available at https://www.natureserve.org/explorer
- Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program. 2018.
- Rhoads, A.F. and W.M. Klein, Jr. 1993. The Vascular Flora of Pennsylvania. American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Rhoads, A.F. and T.A. Block.
- 2007. The Plants of Pennsylvania: An Illustrated Manual. 2nd edition. University of Pennsylvania Press, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
