Carex lyngbyei
Lyngbye's sedge
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Family: Cyperaceae · Type: Grass · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.2
Carex lyngbyei (Lyngbye's sedge) is a native California grass in the Cyperaceae family, recognized by brackish habitat and large indented perigynia are distinctive.
Lyngbye's sedge is a California native perennial found in northern and central coastal regions in brackish areas at near sea level elevation. Flowering period not specified, this sedge produces understated flowers clustered in lateral spikelets 1.8 to 5 centimeters long. Growing with distinctive rhizomatous roots and thin stems, it forms dense clumps with slender leaves 2 to 10 millimeters wide. Its leaves have minute basal characteristics, with pistillate flower bracts often featuring white-tipped awned edges. The fruit is small, 1.7 to 2.5 millimeters long, with a thick-walled, papillate surface that appears deep-indented on one or two sides.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 52 sympatric species; brackish habitat and large indented perigynia are distinctive
Habitat and range
Habitat: Brackish areas
Elevation: +- 0 m.
California counties: Humboldt, Marin, Mendocino, Monterey, Napa
Outside California: to Alaska, Iceland, Greenland
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 lyngbyei native to California?
Yes. Carex lyngbyei is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Carex lyngbyei grow?
Carex lyngbyei occurs in Humboldt, Marin, Mendocino, Monterey, Napa, at elevations of +- 0 m..
What plant family does Carex lyngbyei belong to?
Carex lyngbyei is in the Cyperaceae family, genus Carex.
Is Carex lyngbyei rare or endangered?
Carex lyngbyei carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.2, state rank S3.
What habitat does Carex lyngbyei grow in?
Carex lyngbyei grows in Brackish areas.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · 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.