CAREX
DECOMPOSITA Muhl.
Cypress-knee
Sedge
FAMILY: Cyperaceae
HABIT: Tufted perennial from a short, stout,
blackish rootstalk, fertile culms 4-10 dm.; fruiting July.
SIMILAR
SPECIES: In general appearance much
like the common Carex sparganioides.
C. decomposita can be distinguished by the combination of
dark-colored perigynia and leaf sheaths dotted with purple; C. sparganioides
has light green perigynia and green and white mottled leaf sheaths. C. decomposita also generally is
found in wetter situations than C. sparganioides. Occasional specimens of the common C.
stipata or C. laevivaginata with large, branched inflorescences
might be mistaken for C. decomposita, but these can be distinguished by
their yellow perigynia and greenish leaf sheaths.
TOTAL
RANGE: FL to LA, n. to MD, w. NY, s.
MI, and se. WI.
STATE
RANGE: Currently known from only one
site in Franklin Co. The species was also collected in the 19th century
in Licking and Hamilton Counties.
STATE
STATUS: 1980-1985: Presumed Extirpated,
1986 to present: Endangered.
HABITAT: Swamps, wet woods, and wooded floodplains,
often in dense shade.
HAZARDS: Clearing of woods.
RECOVERY
POTENTIAL: Unknown, but probably
poor.
INVENTORY
GUIDELINES: Collect complete, mature
specimens; all reports should be carefully checked.
COMMENTS: This species is known from only one site in
Ohio, a buttonbush swamp in Franklin County. The species should be sought in
similar habitats in central Ohio.
SELECTED REFERENCES:
Mackenzie,
K.K. 1940. North American Cariceae.
N.Y. Bot. Gar., pl. 66.
Tyrrell,
L.E. 1987. The rediscovery of Carex decomposita in Ohio. Bartonia 53:
15-16.
Voss,
E.G. 1972. Michigan flora, Part I, Gymnosperms and monocots. Cranbrook Inst. of Sci. Bull. 55, Bloomfield
Hills, MI. 488 p.
Division of Natural Areas and Preserves
Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Created: 12/1981
Allison W. Cusick
Revised: 8/2000 Greg
Schneider
Database Code:
SPGJ.120