Common Name: Nebraska Sedge

General Information

Carex nebrascensis is a perennial plant with a long, stout creeping rhizomatous rootstock. It produces clusters of grass-like leaves, spreading at the roots to form dense colonies that can up to 90cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and source of materials. It can be used in restoration schemes and also in water purification projects.
Carex nebrascensis is widespread with stable populations and does not face any major threats. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Western and central N. America - Washington, Alberta, Saskatchewan and North Dakota, south to California, Arizona and New Mexico.

Habitat

Wet to bogy meadows, around springs and along the sides of streams; at elevations from sea level to 2,500 metres[, ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.50 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

The plant is best adapted to slightly acidic to somewhat alkaline conditions tolerating pH levels from 5.7 - 7.4. They are also tolerant of medium levels of salinity[]. The plant tolerates alkaline conditions well[]. It can handle standing water for periods of 2 - 3 months so long as there are periods where the soils dry. The sites where it is found rarely have the water table drop more than 100cm below the root zone late in the growing season[].

Edible Uses

The young shoots and tender leaf bases have a sweet flavour[]. They furnish a tasty nibble and make an excellent emergency food in the wild since they are widely available[].

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

This species has a spreading habit and its dense root mass makes it resistant to soil compaction and erosion. It can be used for erosion control and soil stabilization in wetland and riparian sites; wetland creation and restoration; and for increasing plant diversity in wetland and riparian communities[]
The plant iss used extensively in bioengineering techniques, because of its root system[]. The rhizomes form a matrix for many beneficial bacteria making the plant an excellent choice for wastewater treatment[].

Other Uses

The leaves of most species in this genus can be used to make a soft, insulated bedding for sleeping on when camping etc[].

Propagation

Seed - sow in situ in the spring in a moist soil in light shade. If seed is in short supply it can be sown in a cold frame and be planted out in the summer. The seed usually germinates in 2 - 6 weeks at 15°c[]. Species in this genus, when started from seed tend to stay diminutive for over a year, with plant leaves remaining stunted and fragile for a considerable period of time[].
Division in spring[]. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer or following spring.