Georgian Court University
Louise Wootton's Pages
Georgian Court UniversityLouise Wootton's Pages
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Recognizing Asiatic Sand Sedge (Carex kobomugi)
The easiest way to recognize this species is to rub your fingers along the edge of its
leaves. Carex kobomugi 's leaves are distinguished by small ridges along
their edges, which makes them Carex kobomugi forms spiky-tipped rhizomes which spread out quickly from the plant. It also builds long roots that can grow several feet into the sand. For more information, or to report suspected stands of this species, please contact Dr. Louise Wootton (732 987 2349 or email me at woottonl@georgian.edu) Click here to learn more about the research being done on Carex kobomgi at Georgian Court University. Learn more about the Biology Department at Georgian Court University Author: Louise Wootton. Last updated October 7, 2005
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Many people who hear about this research become concerned that they might
have this species on their property. While we REALLY want to hear from you if you
do
While there are reports
of this species growing in an inland quarry near Boston, Asiatic Sand Sedge is primarily
found near the seashore, and usually grows in coastal primary (nearest the ocean) and
secondary dunes, since this sedge has a high tolerance for salt spray and heavy winds.
Typically it grows to about a foot tall in large tightly packed beds. Its usual
color is bright to yellowish green, with yellow and brown leaves being more common in the
spring and fall. 
feel like the serrations on a good
steak-knife. The relatively stiff, grass-like leaves curl over the plant giving it a
low profile. The plant forms male (right with pollen strands visible) and female (left,
dropping a seed ) flowers, with the female flower forming a seed head that's characterized
by a triangular set of spikes attached to a long stem with distinctive brown scales.