PROTECTING WISCONSIN'S BIODIVERSITY

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

Torrey's Sedge (Carex torreyi)

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Photo by Ryan O'Connor

 

Counties with Mapped NHI Occurrences

Torrey's Sedge (Carex torreyi), a Wisconsin Special Concern plant, is found in dry dolomite prairies on the St Croix and Mississippi Rivers, as well as in white oak savannas in southeast Wisconsin. Blooming occurs late-May through early-June, fruiting early-June through early-July. The optimal identification period for this species is late-June through early-July.

 
 
 

Torrey's sedge is a graminoid, 20-50cm tall, with lateral spikes that are approximate or proximal distant, the terminal spike is staminate or, rarely, pistillate with not more than 1-4 female flowers. Perigynia are ascending, strongly 15-25-veined, ovate or obovate, glabrous, and abruptly tipped with a short (0.2-0.5mm long) toothless beak. Sheaths are pubescent, ligules are longer than wide, and blades are pubescent.

Distinguishing characteristics include its cespitose habit, pubescent leaves and sheaths, its usually staminate terminal spikelet, and its perigynia that are ovate or obovate, glabrous, strongly 15 to 25 veined, and abruptly tipped with a short, toothless beak.

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

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

Associated species include Quercus alba, Lathyrus ochroleucus, Carex pensylvanica, and Luzula multiflora.

Torrey's sedge prefers calcareous soils and is found in dry dolomite prairies on the St Croix and Mississippi Rivers, as well as in white oak savannas in southeast Wisconsin.

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.

Avoid locating landings, staging areas, or access routes in open sandy areas dominated by native grasses.

Prescribed burns and/or brushing may be beneficial, dependent on local site conditions and burn frequency. Rotational burns with annual unburned refugia may be preferred.

Maintain and restore open habitat through selective clearing and brushing.

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.