Identification of Common Carex (Sedges) Using Field Features
Instructor: Dr. Robert Lichvar
Dates: April 8th – April 10th, 2024
Times: 7PM–9PM ET
Scheduling Details: April 8, 9, 10
Tuition Cost: $170 + $25 specimen collection fee
Description: The genus Carex (Sedge) is a member of the Cyperaceae or Sedge family. This genus is large but characteristics are small and challenging for identifying species to the untrained eye. This class will focus on common Sedges (Carex spp.) and field identification with the use of a 10x hand lens. The genus will be divided into 5 morphological growth form group for easy identification in the field. Within each group we will key the most common sedges of the northeast typically seen in wetlands but will include some upland species. These growth form groups are used extensively in northern Europe and was brought to the United States and developed for several geographic regions in the country by Dr. William Weber. This approach allows for carrying a simple field guide to the field for quick reference and identification. Each student of this class will be supplied a copy of the field guide to identify the common sedges in the field. But these keys use standard botanical terminology and features so when needed a local technical flora can be used and because of the repeated keying in the field guide they will have an innate understanding of what the keys are asking for and what the features are to observe. We will attempt to work with 20-25 of the most common Carex species. Online materials will include Powerpoint presentations and keying sedges in the classroom environment.
