This is a common sedge but not easy to see. I look for it in very boggy areas, stream sides and expect to find other sedges such as Carex echinata (Star Sedge) somewhere near. The thin pointed utricles with a "beak" are diagnostic, the only other sedges you might confuse it with is Carex microglochin (Bristle Sedge) which only occurs at high altitudes in the Scottish highlands and Carex pauciflora (Few-flowered Sedge) which has three sided stems instead of round as in the C. pulicaris and C. microglochin.
When ripe the fruits will sometimes spring off the stem when touched - like a flea.
Bowlees quarry, Teesdale 21st June 2005
Previous Plant in Latin Index Latin Index English Index Home Page Next Plant in Latin Index
Added on 22nd September 2005