A Simple Dichotomous Key to the Sedges

Earlier today, I posted my simple but effective guide to identifying insects and spiders. I hope you are finding it helpful.

Perceptive reader John Blakeman pointed out that a similar format would be helpful for identifying sedges (Carex sp). He’s absolutely right, of course, and it just happens that I have also developed that particular guide. I was going to release it at a later date, but I can see that the demand is high and I don’t want to hold people back.

As with other sedge keys you may be familiar with, this key works best if the sedge is in fruit. What if it’s not? You just have to wait until it is. This is not the fault of me or my key, it’s just the way nature works. Sedges refuse to be identified when they are not in fruit. They’re sorry if that’s inconvenient for you.

Without further ado, here is my simple identification guide for sedges.

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About Chris Helzer

Chris Helzer is the Director of Science for The Nature Conservancy in Nebraska. His main role is to evaluate and capture lessons from the Conservancy’s land management and restoration work and then share those lessons with other landowners – both private and public. In addition, Chris works to raise awareness about the importance of prairies and their conservation through his writing, photography, and presentations to various groups. Chris is also the author of "The Ecology and Management of Prairies in the Central United States", published by the University of Iowa Press. He lives in Aurora, Nebraska with his wife Kim and their children.

11 thoughts on “A Simple Dichotomous Key to the Sedges

  1. I sight id sedges all the time without fruit. Although, it depends upon the sedge. Having them in my garden helps.

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