Sedges are not sweet grasses, but so-called sour grasses. It is extremely difficult, if not almost impossible, for a layperson to identify them precisely, given that there are around 2,000 species. With these clues, you may be able to find out which sedge your finds are!

A look at the foliage and ears can provide information about the type of sedge

A close look at the foliage

Anyone who has an eye for sedges will easily recognize them. There are some characteristics that all types of sedges have in common and that even a layman can easily recognize.

Here they are:

  • triangular stems
  • sharp-edged foliage
  • Ligule is present
  • flat, V-shaped or M-shaped leaf blade in cross-section
  • extremely narrow leaves
  • often well developed midrib
  • Leaves usually form at the base and on the stems
  • smooth, matt to shiny, often green to grey-green leaf surface

Inflorescences and infructescences as a determining feature

If you're sure it's a sedge, look at the flowers! When they are in bloom, sedges are the easiest to identify. The following species are annuals and are the most common of the annual specimens, although they are rare in this country:

  • Blunt sedge: arctic zones
  • Rock Sedge: Alpine regions
  • Head Sedge: Central Europe to Northern Europe and North America

There are also sedges of the same year, which count numerous representatives. These include the fox sedge, creeping sedge, panicle sedge, tender sedge and spiny sedge. During flowering, the culms have several ears of the same design.

The well-known morning star sedge is one of the different-year sedges. This also includes the popular golden sedge, palm frond sedge, forest sedge, mountain sedge, hanging sedge and the bank sedge. Their spikes are shaped differently - some are longer, others shorter or thicker,…

Still unsure? Here are the characteristics of the most well-known types of sedge!

These sedges are the most commonly planted by gardeners, require little maintenance and tolerate pruning:

  • Red sedge: brown, up to 70 cm high, clumpy
  • Morning star sedge: green, up to 75 cm high, spikes like morning stars
  • Mountain sedge: bright yellow in autumn, up to 20 cm high
  • Palm frond sedge: growth similar to palm trees

tips

You are on the safe side if you use an identification key for sedges, for example from the Internet!

Category:

Vegetable garden