Arctic marsh sedge
Carex holostoma
Arctic marsh sedge (Carex holostoma) is a perennial grass-like plant characterized by its dense tufted growth form and distinctive triangular stems typical of sedges. This cold-adapted species produces small, inconspicuous flowers arranged in compact spikes and plays a crucial role in Arctic wetland ecosystems by stabilizing soil and providing habitat structure for small invertebrates and nesting birds.
Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Игорь Поспелов, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Игорь Поспелов
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
Tracheophyta
Class
Liliopsida
Order
Poales
Family
Cyperaceae
Genus
Carex
Arctic marsh sedge belongs to the family Cyperaceae, order Poales, within the Liliopsida class.
Species Profile
Arctic marsh sedge (Carex holostoma) is a perennial grass-like plant characterized by its dense tufted growth form and distinctive triangular stems typical of sedges. This cold-adapted species produces small, inconspicuous flowers arranged in compact spikes and plays a crucial role in Arctic wetland ecosystems by stabilizing soil and providing habitat structure for small invertebrates and nesting birds.
Arctic marsh sedge faces significant threats from climate change-induced habitat loss as warming temperatures alter Arctic wetland ecosystems and permafrost dynamics. The species' restricted distribution in specialized Arctic marsh habitats makes it particularly vulnerable to environmental changes and human disturbances in the Arctic region.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Arctic marsh sedge inhabits wet Arctic and subarctic marshes, sedge meadows, and boggy areas with standing or slow-moving water. The species typically occurs in low-lying wetland areas with organic soils and is associated with permafrost-influenced hydrology in northern latitudes.
Threats
Climate change and warming temperatures
Habitat degradation from permafrost thaw
Altered hydrology in Arctic wetlands
Changes in precipitation patterns
Human disturbance and development
National vs Global Threat Status
How this species is assessed at the national level compared to its IUCN global status (VU).
| Country | National Status | Global Status | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU | LCLeast Concern | VUVulnerable | Lower local risk |
| EU | LCLeast Concern | VUVulnerable | Lower local risk |
National Red List data sourced from the National Red List Project (nationalredlist.org, ZSL) and country-specific Red List authorities.
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
National Red Lists: ZSL (2025). National Red List. Zoological Society of London. Available at: https://www.nationalredlist.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Arctic marsh sedge (Carex holostoma). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/arctic-marsh-sedge