Carex intumescens Rudge - Greater Bladder Sedge
Family - Cyperaceae
Stems:
N/A
Leaves:
Leaf sheath.
Ligule.
Inflorescence:
N/A
Flowers:
Perigynia.
Flowering - April - June.
Habitat - Swamps, pond margins, bottoms, wet woods.
Origin - Native to North America.
Other information - This attractive sedge can be found scattered throughout Alabama. The plant can be identified by its thin leaves and globose-cylindric heads of fruits.
The plant resembles another, C. grayi J. Carrey, but the latter has larger and more globose fruiting heads. The perigynia of C. grayi spread in all directions from the rachis. The perigynia of C. intumescens spread in most directions except downward.
Alabama Distribution:
Photographs taken at Coon Creek, Tallapoosa County, AL., 5-27-06.