Black Alpine Sedge
Carex nigricans
- Native to:
- Aleutian Is., Canada, Russia, United States
Ivar Leidus
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Cyperaceae
- Genus:
- Carex
- Species:
- Carex nigricans
- USDA Symbol:
- CANI2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 30 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- small mammals, birds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- moist, well-drained, organic-rich soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Commonly found in alpine and subalpine meadows.
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–45 days
- Notes:
- Requires light for germination; seeds should be surface-sown. Cool temperatures (10-15°C) enhance germination rates.
Pre-treatment: Seeds undergo 90 days cold stratification for highest germination rate or are fall sown outdoors for a 5 month outdoor cold, moist stratification.
Establishment: C. nigricans ranges from Siberia to Alaska, south to California, and east to the Rocky Mountain states in wet, subalpine to alpine habitats. There is a slight decrease in germination rate with increased stratification period.
Source: npn.rngr.net