PROTECTING WISCONSIN'S BIODIVERSITY

 
 
   
 
Scientific Name Common Name Global Rank State Rank Federal Status WI Status

Livid Sedge (Carex livida)

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Photo by Kevin Doyle

 

Counties with Mapped NHI Occurrences

Livid Sedge (Carex livida), a Wisconsin Special Concern plant, is found in fens or, less commonly, on bog mats and occasionally in ditches. Blooming occurs late-May through early-June, fruiting late-June through late-July. The optimal identification period for this species is late-June through July.

Carex livida var. grayana, Carex livida var. radicaulis

 
 
 

Livid sedge is a graminoid, 20-50cm tall, with densely flowered female spikes that are ovoid to short-cylindric. Lateral spikes are erect or ascending on stiff peduncles, terminal spikelets are staminate. Perigynia are rounded and broadly spindle-shaped, strongly ascending in the spikes, glaucous, fusiform, and heavily papillose, beak is minute or absent, erect, and straight, achenes are pale to dark brown. Proximal sheaths are pale to dark brown, occasionally red tinged, leaf blades are very glaucous, channeled, coriaceous, and 1-3mm wide. Pistillate scales are pale brown to dark purple-brown with broad green centers and narrow hyaline margins and obtuse to acute.

Its very glaucous, channeled, leaves that are 1-3mm wide and its rounded, broadly spindle-shaped perigynia that are strongly ascending in the spikes, glaucous, and beakless are distinguishing characteristics.

Rhizomatous. Blooming occurs late-May through early-June, fruiting late-June through late-July.

Perennial. The optimal identification period for this species is late-June through July.

Associated species include Carex lasiocarpa, Myrica gale, Triglochin maritimum, Menyanthes trifoliata, Drosera intermedia, Eleocharis elliptica, Cladium mariscoides, and Arethusa bulbosa.

Livid sedge prefers wet soils and is found in fens or, less commonly, on bog mats and occasionally in ditches.

Avoid known individual plant locations and conduct operations elsewhere when they are least likely to cause damage. Ideally, this would involve frozen, snow-covered ground. However, in areas of the state where frozen conditions are unreliable, very dry soils late in the growing season might be the best available alternative. Consult with a biologist, if needed.

Avoid broadcast spraying of herbicides and use care with spot spraying.

Minimize disturbance to hydrology, including soil disturbance from rutting.

Avoid rapid and dramatic reductions in canopy cover and, basal area, in wet areas to reduce risk of swamping.

Survey for and control invasive plants prior to conducting timber operations, as these can be spread by vehicles and often respond vigorously to increased light. See forestry BMPs for invasive species.

This species is likely sensitive to water quality. Following BMPs around streams and buffering associated drainages will reduce eutrophication and prevent water quality degradation.

Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) are associated with habitats (or natural communities) and places on the landscape. Understanding relationships among SGCN, natural communities and ecological landscapes help us make decisions about issues affecting SGCN and their habitat and how to respond. Download the Wildlife Action Plan association score spreadsheet to explore rare species, natural communities and ecological landscape associations

Conservation actions respond to issues or threats, which adversely affect species of greatest conservation need (SGCN) or their habitats. Besides actions such as restoring wetlands or planting resilient tree species in northern communities, research, surveys and monitoring are also among conservation actions described in the Wisconsin Wildlife Action Plan because lack of information can threaten our ability to successfully preserve and care for natural resources.