Hairy Sedge Carex hirta Family: Cyperaceae Flowering April-June, fruiting June-September. Perennial. Native. Elongated flowering spikes with 2-3 terminal male spikelats that can be persistent. 2-3 widely spaced, oblong female spikelets with long leaf-like bracts. Female glumes greenish with projecting mid-rib. Ribbed, ovoid, hairy fruit with forked beak. Stems 15-70cm. This is the only sedge with hairy leaves, sheaths and fruit, though it can be less hairy on wet ground. Can be common in dunes, hedgebanks, meadows and open woodland throughout most of Ireland, but less frequent in SW.

     



Hairy Sedge, Carex hirta. Co. Wexford, June 2010