Carex pallidula
VU

Carex pallidula

Local name: åsstarr

Unknown

Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Małgorzata Śliż, niektoré práva vyhradené (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Małgorzata Śliż

Overview

Åsstarr (Carex pallidula) is a distinctive sedge species characterized by its pale, slender culms and narrow leaves that form loose tufts. This perennial grass-like plant produces inconspicuous brownish flower spikes and plays an important role in stabilizing soil and providing habitat structure in specialized wetland ecosystems.

Åsstarr (Carex pallidula) faces significant threats from habitat degradation and loss due to agricultural expansion, drainage of wetlands, and urban development in its specialized wetland habitats. Climate change poses additional risks through altered precipitation patterns and temperature regimes that affect the hydrology of its sensitive bog and fen ecosystems. The species' restricted distribution and specific habitat requirements make it particularly vulnerable to environmental changes.

Threat summary

Habitat

This sedge species inhabits nutrient-poor wetland environments including bogs, fens, wet meadows, and marshy areas, typically in acidic to neutral soils with consistent moisture levels. It occurs in both natural peatland systems and semi-natural grasslands that maintain appropriate hydrological conditions.

TERRESTRIAL· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is åsstarr classified as Vulnerable?
åsstarr is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Åsstarr (Carex pallidula) faces significant threats from habitat degradation and loss due to agricultural expansion, drainage of wetlands, and urban development in its specialized wetland habitats. Climate change poses additional risks through altered precipitation patterns and temperature regimes that affect the hydrology of its sensitive bog and fen ecosystems. The species' restricted distribution and specific habitat requirements make it particularly vulnerable to environmental changes.
Where does åsstarr live?
åsstarr occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to åsstarr?
The main threats to åsstarr are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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