Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (PIER)


Carex muskingumensis


RISK ASSESSMENT RESULTS: High risk, score: 8


Australian/New Zealand Weed Risk Assessment adapted for Hawai‘i.
Information on Risk Assessments
Original risk assessment

Carex muskingumensis Schwein. Family - Cyperaceae. Common Name(s) - Muskingum sedge. Synonym(s) - NA.

Answer

Score

1.01

Is the species highly domesticated?

y=-3, n=0

n

0

1.02

Has the species become naturalized where grown?

y=1, n=-1

1.03

Does the species have weedy races?

y=-1, n=-1

2.01

Species suited to tropical or subtropical climate(s) (0-low; 1-intermediate; 2-high) – If island is primarily wet habitat, then substitute “wet tropical” for “tropical or subtropical”

See Append 2

0

2.02

Quality of climate match data (0-low; 1-intermediate; 2-high) see appendix 2

1

2.03

Broad climate suitability (environmental versatility)

y=1, n=0

y

1

2.04

Native or naturalized in regions with tropical or subtropical climates

y=1, n=0

n

0

2.05

Does the species have a history of repeated introductions outside its natural range?

y=-2, ?=-1, n=0

y

3.01

Naturalized beyond native range y = 1*multiplier (see Append 2), n= question 2.05

n

-2

3.02

Garden/amenity/disturbance weed y = 1*multiplier (see Append 2)

n=0

n

0

3.03

Agricultural/forestry/horticultural weed y = 2*multiplier (see Append 2)

n=0

n

0

3.04

Environmental weed y = 2*multiplier (see Append 2)

n=0

n

0

3.05

Congeneric weed y = 1*multiplier (see Append 2)

n=0

y

1

4.01

Produces spines, thorns or burrs

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.02

Allelopathic

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.03

Parasitic

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.04

Unpalatable to grazing animals

y=1, n=-1

y

1

4.05

Toxic to animals

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.06

Host for recognized pests and pathogens

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.07

Causes allergies or is otherwise toxic to humans

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.08

Creates a fire hazard in natural ecosystems

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.09

Is a shade tolerant plant at some stage of its life cycle

y=1, n=0

y

1

4.10

Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions (or limestone conditions if not a volcanic island)

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.11

Climbing or smothering growth habit

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.12

Forms dense thickets

y=1, n=0

y

1

5.01

Aquatic

y=5, n=0

n

0

5.02

Grass

y=1, n=0

n

0

5.03

Nitrogen fixing woody plant

y=1, n=0

n

0

5.04

Geophyte (herbaceous with underground storage organs -- bulbs, corms, or tubers)

y=1, n=0

n

0

6.01

Evidence of substantial reproductive failure in native habitat

y=1, n=0

n

0

6.02

Produces viable seed.

y=1, n=-1

y

1

6.03

Hybridizes naturally

y=1, n=-1

6.04

Self-compatible or apomictic

y=1, n=-1

y

1

6.05

Requires specialist pollinators

y=-1, n=0

n

0

6.06

Reproduction by vegetative fragmentation

y=1, n=-1

y

1

6.07

Minimum generative time (years) 1 year = 1, 2 or 3 years = 0, 4+ years = -1

See left

7.01

Propagules likely to be dispersed unintentionally (plants growing in heavily trafficked areas)

y=1, n=-1

n

-1

7.02

Propagules dispersed intentionally by people

y=1, n=-1

y

1

7.03

Propagules likely to disperse as a produce contaminant

y=1, n=-1

n

-1

7.04

Propagules adapted to wind dispersal

y=1, n=-1

y

1

7.05

Propagules water dispersed

y=1, n=-1

y

1

7.06

Propagules bird dispersed

y=1, n=-1

7.07

Propagules dispersed by other animals (externally)

y=1, n=-1

n

-1

7.08

Propagules survive passage through the gut

y=1, n=-1

8.01

Prolific seed production (>1000/m2)

y=1, n=-1

8.02

Evidence that a persistent propagule bank is formed (>1 yr)

y=1, n=-1

y

1

8.03

Well controlled by herbicides

y=-1, n=1

8.04

Tolerates, or benefits from, mutilation, cultivation, or fire

y=1, n=-1

y

1

8.05

Effective natural enemies present locally (e.g. introduced biocontrol agents)

y=-1, n=1

Total score:

8

Supporting data:

Notes

Source

1.01

No evidence of selection for more than 20 generations

 

1.02

1.03

2.01

(1)Moist to wet, deciduous flood plains, lowland woods, and thickets; 100–400 m; Ont.; Ark., Ill., Ind., Iowa, Kans., Ky., Mich., Minn., Mo., Ohio, Okla., Tenn., Wis. (2)Carex muskingumensis seeds reported to require cold-stratification

(1)http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242357351 [Accessed 05 May 2008] (2)Schütz, W. and G. Rave. 1999. The effect of cold stratification and light on the seed germination of temperate sedges (Carex) from various habitats and implications for regenerative strategies. Plant Ecology 144: 215–230.

2.02

For temperate species requiring cold-stratification of seeds (see 2.01), the answer to this question is "1"

2.03

(1)Zone: 4 to 9 (2)Hardiness: USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8 °C (-20 °F) USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F) USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F) USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F) USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F) USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F) USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F) USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F) USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F) USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)

(1)http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/Plant.asp?code=R390 [Accessed 05 May 2008] (2)http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/51587/ [Accessed 05 May 2008]

2.04

(1)Moist to wet, deciduous flood plains, lowland woods, and thickets; 100–400 m; Ont.; Ark., Ill., Ind., Iowa, Kans., Ky., Mich., Minn., Mo., Ohio, Okla., Tenn., Wis. (2)Carex muskingumensis seeds reported to require cold-stratification

(1)http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242357351 [Accessed 05 May 2008] (2)Schütz, W. and G. Rave. 1999. The effect of cold stratification and light on the seed germination of temperate sedges (Carex) from various habitats and implications for regenerative strategies. Plant Ecology 144: 215–230.

2.05

(1)Cultivated forms of this sedge can be found in Europe. (2)Carex muskingumensis, a cold-temperate, North American species was collected in the Botanical Garden in Kiel. (3)Carex muskingumensis. Not listed in Kubát et al. (2002). In 1947, two tussocks were collected on a rubbish tip in Brno-Pisárky; later, a more abundant source population was found in a semi-natural reed stand by a small pond (4)Cultivated in gardens of Sweden. (4)Available as an ornamental plant in England.

(1)http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/grasses/plants/msk_sedge.htm [Accessed 05 May 2008] (2)Schütz, W. and G. Rave. 1999. The effect of cold stratification and light on the seed germination of temperate sedges (Carex) from various habitats and implications for regenerative strategies. Plant Ecology 144: 215–230. (3)Pyšek, P., J. Sádlo and B. Mandák. 2002. Catalogue of alien plants of the Czech Republic. Preslia, Praha. 74: 97–186.(4)Bühler, K-D. 2000. The Scandinavian Garden. Frances Lincoln Ltd. London. (4)http://www.rhs.org.uk/RHSPLANTFINDER/plantlist.asp?code=LRHS+ [Accessed 06 May 2008]

3.01

Not sufficient evidence of naturalization. (1)Carex muskingumensis. Not listed in Kubát et al. (2002). In 1947, two tussocks were collected on a rubbish tip in Brno-Pisárky; later, a more abundant source population was found in a semi-natural reed stand by a small pond [listed as a casual escape]

(1)Pyšek, P., J. Sádlo and B. Mandák. 2002. Catalogue of alien plants of the Czech Republic. Preslia, Praha. 74: 97–186.

3.02

No evidence

3.03

No evidence

3.04

No evidence

3.05

(1)The small stature of these native species predispose them to be outcompeted by taller, or faster growing wetland weed species, including the grasses Mercer grass (Paspalum distichum), kneed foxtail (Alopecuris geniculatus), creeping bent (Agrostis stolonifera) and Yorkshire fog (Holcus lanatus), oval sedge (Carex ovalis) [Carex ovalis is a weed of wetlands that is being evaluated for chemical control in New Zealand] (2)A widely occurring, often locally common, weed of swampy places, including logging tracks and wet places in forest clearings, drains, and pasture on wet soils. Leaves of older plants tend to become lax and ± prostrate, effectively smothering small associated plants. C. ovalis is ± unpalatable, and the patches of matted, flattened leaves and tufts with bare or open centres are noticeable in infested grassland.

(1)Champion, P.D. 1998. Selective control of weeds in New Zealand wetlands. Proc. 51st N.Z. Plant Protection Conf.: 251-254. (2)Healy, A. J. and E. Edgar. 1980. Flora of New Zealand. Volume III. P. D. HASSELBERG, GOVERNMENT PRINTER, WELLINGTON NEW ZEALAND.

4.01

No evidence

4.02

No evidence

4.03

No evidence

4.04

(1)Deer resistant [probably not a preferred browse for most animals] (2)Palpable: (eatable) Browse Animal (Low), Graze Animal (Low) [apparently palatable, if not preferred browse species] (3)Very deer resistant.

(1)http://www.calfloranursery.com/pages_plants/pages_c/carmusoeh.html [Accessed 05 May 2008] (2)http://www.cannonvalleynursery.com/output/moreinfo/Carex_muskingumensis.asp [Accessed 05 May 2008] (3)http://www.riverwoods-il.net/Plants08/ferns.html [Accessed 06 May 2008]

4.05

No evidence, and Carex spp. Not known for toxicity

 

4.06

(1)No significant insect or disease problems.

(1)http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/Plant.asp?code=R390 [Accessed 05 May 2008]

4.07

No evidence [well known species native to North America and available as ornamental]

 

4.08

(1)Habitats include swamps, soggy woodlands along rivers, and sedge meadows. [Habitat typically wet or boggy ground which would minimize fire risk]

(1)http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/grasses/plants/msk_sedge.htm [Accessed 05 May 2008]

4.09

(1)Ideal conditions: sun or shade; (2)This species does well in some shade, but tends to flop in too much shade. (3)Palm Sedge may also be used in shaded areas.

(1)http://www.bluestem.ca/carex-muskingumensis.htm [Accessed 05 May 2008] (2)http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/Plant.asp?code=R390 [Accessed 05 May 2008] (3)http://web1.msue.msu.edu/imp/modzz/00002273.html [Accessed 05 May 2008]

4.10

(1)Loam, Clay... pH (Maximum): 6.9 pH (Minimum): 4.7

(1)http://www.cannonvalleynursery.com/output/moreinfo/Carex_muskingumensis.asp [Accessed 05 May 2008]

4.11

(1)Plants densely cespitose.

(1)http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242357351 [Accessed 06 May 2008]

4.12

(1)Plants grow so thickly that weeds are suppressed beneath the foliage. (2)Capable of forming large groundcover masses. (3)A dense, clump-forming sedge which is grown for its foliage effect. [Apparently growth in boggy habitats can exclude other vegetation]

(1)http://www.northcreeknurseries.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/plants.plantDetail/plant_id/360/index.htm [Accessed 05 May 2008] (2)http://www.fmcornamentalgrasses.co.uk/catalogue.pdf [Accessed 06 May 2008] (3)http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/Plant.asp?code=R390 [Accessed 05 May 2008]

5.01

(1)Best in constantly moist, fertile soil, but will grow in shallow water (3-4" deep). Grows well away from water, but soil must not be allowed to dry out. [not truly aquatic]

(1)http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/Plant.asp?code=R390 [Accessed 05 May 2008]

5.02

Cyperaceae

5.03

Cyperaceae

5.04

Not a geophyte [spreads by rhizomes, see 6.06]

 

6.01

No evidence

6.02

(1)Spread by rhizomes and self-seeding.

(1)http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/Plant.asp?code=R390 [Accessed 05 May 2008]

6.03

Unknown

6.04

(1)Sedges of the genus Carex L. are mostly wind-pollinated, self-compatible, monoecious herbs in which female flowers are receptive before pollen is released (protogyny). [Most Carex can self-pollinate, even though floral morphology promotes outcrossing]

(1)Bertin, R. I. 2007. Sex allocation in Carex (Cyperaceae): effects of light, water, and nutrients. Can. J. Bot. 85: 377-384.

6.05

(1)Sedges of the genus Carex L. are mostly wind-pollinated, self-compatible, monoecious herbs in which female flowers are receptive before pollen is released (protogyny).

(1)Bertin, R. I. 2007. Sex allocation in Carex (Cyperaceae): effects of light, water, and nutrients. Can. J. Bot. 85: 377-384.

6.06

(1)Spread by rhizomes and self-seeding. (2)The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous. This sedge forms vegetative offshoots from its rhizomes.

(1)http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/Plant.asp?code=R390 [Accessed 05 May 2008] (2)http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/grasses/plants/msk_sedge.htm [Accessed 05 May 2008]

6.07

Unknown

7.01

(1)No evidence that propagules have any means of attachment

(1)http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242357351 [Accessed 06 May 2008]

7.02

(1)By most standards, this is one of the best sedges offered. Palm Sedge is easy to grow, exotic and hardy to Zone 2. The palm-like texture of the leaves are especially effective when used with broader leaved plants in the shade garden. [popular ornamental]

(1)http://www.bluestem.ca/carex-muskingumensis.htm [Accessed 05 May 2008]

7.03

Unlikely, given wetland habitat and use in "wetland" landscaping

 

7.04

(1)Each fertile female floret produces an achene about 2.0–2.5 mm. in length, which is oblongoid in shape and flattened; it is contained with the perigynium. Because the perigynia are very light, they are easily blown about by the wind or carried on water, thereby distributing the achenes.

(1)http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/grasses/plants/msk_sedge.htm [Accessed 05 May 2008]

7.05

(1)Each fertile female floret produces an achene about 2.0–2.5 mm. in length, which is oblongoid in shape and flattened; it is contained with the perigynium. Because the perigynia are very light, they are easily blown about by the wind or carried on water, thereby distributing the achenes.

(1)http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/grasses/plants/msk_sedge.htm [Accessed 05 May 2008]

7.06

Unknown (1)Many birds eat the seeds or seedheads of sedges. In the swampy habitats of Muskingum Sedge, these species would include the Mallard, Wood Duck, Woodcock, Swamp Sparrow, Song Sparrow, and Red-Eyed Towhee. [although dispersal is possible, most likely these birds are acting as seed predators]

(1)http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/grasses/plants/msk_sedge.htm [Accessed 05 May 2008]

7.07

(1)No obvious means of attachment

(1)http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242357351 [Accessed 06 May 2008]

7.08

Unknown (1)Some mammals use sedges as a food source to a limited extent. These mammals include the Black Bear (seedheads, leaves), Fox Squirrel (seedheads), Gray Squirrel (seedheads), and Meadow Vole (leaves, seeds, rhizomes). [Unknown whether viable seeds would pass through gut]

(1)http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/grasses/plants/msk_sedge.htm [Accessed 05 May 2008]

8.01

Unknown

8.02

(1)Abstract: The genus Carex, with its wide distribution and large number of species yet with a rather uniform life history, is a very convenient group for comparative studies of germination ecology at the generic level...These dormancy and germination traits not only enable the accumulation of seeds in the soil, but also constitute seasonal seed regeneration strategies that rely on the high longevity of seeds and the formation of persistent seed banks. Temperate Carices are mainly adapted to exploit the temporally and spatially infrequent occurrence of canopy gaps that become available only in late spring or early summer, whereas the colonization of gaps at the beginning of the vegetation period is largely prevented by a high temperature requirement for germination. Many of the dormancy and germination characteristics of Carices are important in Cyperaceae generally.

(1)Schütz, W. 2000. Ecology of seed dormancy and germination in sedges (Carex). Perspectives in Plant Ecology, Evolution and Systematics. 3(1): 67–89.

8.03

Unknown [no information or control methods mentioned]

 

8.04

(1)If you want it to spread quickly (such as for erosion control on shorebanks), cutting it back by three quarters will force lateral shoots to come up. This can be done 3 to 4 times during the growing season.(2)Fire Tolerance: High

(1)http://www.bluestem.ca/carex-muskingumensis.htm [Accessed 05 May 2008] (2)http://www.cannonvalleynursery.com/output/moreinfo/Carex_muskingumensis.asp [Accessed 05 May 2008]

8.05

Unknown


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