early sedge
Carex praecox
Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Gennadiy Okatov, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Gennadiy Okatov
Overview
Carex praecox, the spring sedge, is a species of flowering plant in the genus Carex, native to Europe, western Asia, and Mongolia. Its diploid chromosome number is 2n=58, with some uncertainty.
Early sedge faces significant pressure from habitat loss due to agricultural intensification and urban development of its preferred grassland and heathland environments. The species is particularly vulnerable to changes in traditional land management practices, including reduced grazing and altered fire regimes, which can lead to habitat degradation through scrubland encroachment and succession to woodland.
Habitat
Early sedge occurs in dry grasslands, heathlands, sand dunes, and chalk downs, typically favoring well-drained, nutrient-poor soils in open, sunny locations. The species is often found in traditionally managed pastoral landscapes and coastal grassland systems where light grazing maintains suitable habitat conditions.
Other threatened species in Cyperaceae
Threatened in Åland Islands
Frequently asked questions
Why is early sedge classified as Vulnerable?
Where does early sedge live?
What are the main threats to early sedge?
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