Sedge

Sedge, common name for a family of grass-like flowering plants with stems that are characteristically triangular in cross-section. The family is worldwide in distribution but is particularly abundant in wet, marshy areas of the temperate and subarctic zones, where it is ecologically important in binding and stabilizing soils. The family contains about 115 genera and 3,600 species.

Members of the sedge family typically possess a rhizome, a root-like underground stem out of which grows a tuft of basal leaves. The leaf bases expand into sheaths that entirely close around the stem. The stem itself is usually unbranched and leafless, with a cluster of inconspicuous flowers at its tip. Each flower is borne in the axil of a single bract (modified leaf) and has either no perianth (floral envelope) or one reduced to a series of scales or bristles rather than showy petals. Sedges are generally distinguished from grasses by their triangular stems, by leaves with closed sheaths, and by the structure of their flowers.

The family is of some economic importance. Stems and leaves of many genera, including the club-rushes, are used for weaving mats, baskets, and hats, as well as in papermaking. The paper reed was the source of ancient Egyptian papyrus. One genus in the sedge family includes species used for hay and packing materials. Cotton grass is used in pillow stuffing.

Scientific classification: Sedges make up the family Cyperaceae. Club-rushes belong to the genus Scirpus. The paper reed is classified as Cyperus papyrus. The sedge species used for hay and packing materials are classified in the genus Carex, and cotton grass in the genus Eriophorum.