EMILY de CAMP HERBARIUM

COMMON NAME: Japanese Sedge
OTHER COMMON NAME(S):
SCIENTIFIC NAME: carex kobomugi
FAMILY: Cyperaceae
COMMUNITY: Primary Dune
STATUS: Non-native
LIFESPAN: Perennial
HEIGHT: Four to twelve inches
FLOWERING TIME: June-September
FRUITING TIME: Late July-September
DISTRIBUTION: Massachusetts to Virginia



IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Stiff, curling, yellow-green leaves with stout stems

GENERAL INFORMATION: The origins of Japanese Sedge are questionable, though it is believed tht it was accidentlly intoduced in 1929, either from the wreck of a Japanese ship or from routine dumping of a ship’s ballast. It grew quickly along the Jersey coast, with growth habits similar to American Beach Grass. Japanese Sedge however, appears more resistant to disease and human traffic.
Like American Beach Grass, Japanese Sedge is an effedtive andhor or the primary dune sand. It occupies a similar haitat innotrheast Asia and is healthiest in areas with high rates of sand movement. Transported by ocean waves, Japanese Sedge is now found from Massachusetts to Virginia. It was greatly dispersed during the March storm of 1962.

This plant is extremely invasive and is overtaking many areas that were originally covered byAmerican Beach Grass. It is considered one of the ‘ten most unwanted plants ‘ in New Jersey. As with other invasive plants, it is destructive by limiting the number of plants species within a plant community.

Please note: While harvesting wild berries/fruit is permitted at Island Beach State Park, visitors must adhere to park regulations at all times and must not damage vegetation or go off designated trails. This information is presented for educational purposes only.