Carex of Fairfax County

Over 115 species of ‘True Sedges’ in the Genus Carex have been documented in Fairfax County, Virginia. The vast majority of these species are considered native to the region and may be encountered in almost every local habitat type. Sedges can be found in upland forests, natural & artificial openings, and in a diversity of palustrine and estuarine wetlands. Although sedges are often considered difficult-to-identify, some species are fairly distinct and can be easily recognized once the observer has been introduced. Admittedly, other species such as those in Section Ovales are incredibly similar and may require substantial exposure before the subtle distinctions become apparent.

The section below is currently under construction, but it is intended as a resource to help recognize and identify Carex species known to occur within Fairfax County. Next season I plan to add missing photos and create links for each Carex section which will include additional images and diagnostic features for each taxon.