Carex

Carex is a large genus of perennial, grass-like herbs belonging to the sedge family, Cyperaceae. These plants are found worldwide, except in desert regions, with the greatest diversity in the United States and East Asia.12

Key characteristics of Carex include:
* Stems: Typically triangular and solid.3
* Leaves: Arranged in three vertical rows along the stem.3
* Flowers: Reduced and wind-pollinated, with unique bristles or scales.3
* Fruit: Usually an achene (nutlet) enclosed in a sac called a perigynium.13

While few sedges are cultivated as crops, some Carex species are important for weaving, as pasture plants, or as ornamentals in gardens. Ecologically, sedges are vital components of wetlands, contributing to primary productivity and the water cycle, and their fruits provide food for wildlife. Some Carex species are also considered weeds.4