Carex cherokeensis

The short, black rhizome is thickest of any of our carexs and the lowest bract is never as long at the terminal spikelet. 4-12 spikelets per culm. Perigynium reflexed. Triangular stem. Male inflorescence at top, separate male spike. Upper female spikes point up, lower spikes point down. Only carex with taproot. Can be confused with C. oxiolepias that has 3-5 spikelets and no rhizome.

Steffen (1997) reports the seeds of most Carex species germinate best when planted fresh.

Carex is considered an important cover plant for waterfowl. The following information is for the genus Carex: Animals that eat its seeds: Coot, Canvasback duck, American golden eye duck, Mallard duck, Pintail duck, Redhead duck, Blue-winged teal duck, Cinnamon teal duck, Green-winged teal duck, Wood duck, Virginia rail, Yellow rail, Stilt sandpiper, White-rumped sandpiper, Wild tukey, Woodcock, Painted bunting, Cardinal, Horned lark, Savannah sparrow, Tree sparrow. Animals that eat its seeds and leaves: Black bear, Jack rabbit, Eastern gray squirrel, Animals that eat its seeds, leaves, roots: Common mole. Animals that eat the plant: White-tailed deer (Martin et al. 1951).

Cherokee sedge is abundant in sandy loam soils in woodlands. It is usually found in prairies after woody invasion has begun and appears to be an indicator of the need for fire. It is found in east, southeast, and north central Texas, and all of Louisiana. It is a southern species ranging from the Gulf States to Georgia, and west to Oklahoma, Arkansas and Missouri.

Low woods, sandy loam soils.