Carex livida
Livid sedge
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Family: Cyperaceae · Type: Grass · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2A
Carex livida (Livid sedge) is a native California grass in the Cyperaceae family, recognized by glaucous leaves and perigynium characteristics.
Livid sedge is a rare (CNPS 2A) California native perennial found in the northern California coastal region, specifically Mendocino County, in Sphagnum swamps and peatland at elevations below 100 meters. While flowering time is not specified, this sedge produces stems 15 to 60 centimeters tall with bluish-green, channeled leaf blades 1 to 3.5 millimeters wide. Growing with rhizomatous roots, it forms dense clumps with distinctive glaucous foliage that appears slightly bluish-green. Its leaves are narrow and folded, with pistillate flower bracts in shades of red-brown adding subtle color to the plant's appearance. The fruit is elliptic, green to glaucous, with a wide-conic tip and measuring 2 to 3.5 millimeters long.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 38 sympatric species; glaucous leaves and perigynium characteristics are diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Sphagnum swamps, peatland
Elevation: < 100 m
Outside California: scattered to Alaska, eastern United States, Central America, South America, Eurasia
Conservation status
CNPS 2A
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 livida native to California?
Yes. Carex livida is native to California (recorded as native).
What plant family does Carex livida belong to?
Carex livida is in the Cyperaceae family, genus Carex.
Is Carex livida rare or endangered?
Carex livida carries California Rare Plant Rank 2A, state rank SH.
What habitat does Carex livida grow in?
Carex livida grows in Sphagnum swamps, peatland.
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.