Tufted Sedge
VU

Tufted Sedge

Carex elata

UnknownLCEULCEU

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carex_elata

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Tufted Sedge faces severe decline primarily due to wetland drainage and agricultural conversion of its marshy habitats. Water level management in remaining wetlands often disrupts the natural flooding cycles essential for its reproduction and survival. Eutrophication from agricultural runoff and urban development degrades water quality in its remaining habitats, while invasive plant species increasingly outcompete this slow-growing sedge in disturbed wetland areas.

Threat summary

Habitat

Tufted Sedge inhabits wet meadows, marshes, fens, and the shallow margins of lakes and slow-moving rivers across temperate Europe. It forms distinctive large tussocks in permanently wet or seasonally flooded areas with nutrient-rich, alkaline soils.

TERRESTRIAL· major

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Flat-sedgeVU

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Tufted Sedge classified as Vulnerable?
Tufted Sedge 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. Tufted Sedge faces severe decline primarily due to wetland drainage and agricultural conversion of its marshy habitats. Water level management in remaining wetlands often disrupts the natural flooding cycles essential for its reproduction and survival. Eutrophication from agricultural runoff and urban development degrades water quality in its remaining habitats, while invasive plant species increasingly outcompete this slow-growing sedge in disturbed wetland areas.
Where does Tufted Sedge live?
Tufted Sedge 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 Tufted Sedge?
The main threats to Tufted Sedge 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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