Carex lenticularis var. limnophila
Lagoon sedge, Lagoon Sedge
(c) Jason Sturner, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Cyperaceae · Type: Grass · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.2
Carex lenticularis var. limnophila (Lagoon sedge) is a native California grass in the Cyperaceae family, recognized by . Distinguished by coastal habitat, wide spikes, long stalks, and veined perigynia.
Lagoon sedge is a rare (CNPS 2B.2) California native perennial found in the northern Coast Ranges in wet places at elevations below 20 meters. Flowering in spring, this sedge produces green to gold spikelets with distinctive purple-tipped beaks. Growing in dense clusters with slender stems, it forms low-growing clumps in coastal wetland environments. Its leaves are narrow and grass-like, typical of sedge species, forming delicate tufts close to the ground. The fruit is small, with intriguing green to gold perigynia featuring 5 to 7 prominent veins on each side.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 38 sympatric species. Distinguished by coastal habitat, wide spikes, long stalks, and veined perigynia.
Habitat and range
Habitat: Wet places
Elevation: < 20 m
California counties: Del Norte, Humboldt, Mendocino, Lassen, Yolo
Outside California: to Alaska
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.2
How to tell it apart
vs Juncus: Carex stems are triangular when rolled; Juncus stems are round and often hollow with partitions inside.; vs Cyperus: Carex has seeds in individual flasks; Cyperus has umbrella-like flower clusters with flattened ribbon-like spikes.; vs Plantago: Carex has triangular stems and brown/green spikelets; Plantago has round flower stalks and white/brown spike flowers.; vs Eleocharis: Carex has leaves along the stem; Eleocharis is nearly leafless with just one spikelet per stem.; vs Schoenoplectus: Carex has leafy stems and flask-enclosed seeds; Schoenoplectus has leafless round stems with exposed seeds.
Frequently asked questions
Is Carex lenticularis var. limnophila native to California?
Yes. Carex lenticularis var. limnophila is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Carex lenticularis var. limnophila grow?
Carex lenticularis var. limnophila occurs in Del Norte, Humboldt, Mendocino, Lassen, Yolo, at elevations of < 20 m.
What plant family does Carex lenticularis var. limnophila belong to?
Carex lenticularis var. limnophila is in the Cyperaceae family, genus Carex.
Is Carex lenticularis var. limnophila rare or endangered?
Carex lenticularis var. limnophila carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.2, state rank S1.
What habitat does Carex lenticularis var. limnophila grow in?
Carex lenticularis var. limnophila grows in Wet places.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.