Genus Carex, the true sedges, form a fascinating and diverse group of plants. An evolutionary success story, Carex is the most species-rich genus in Wisconsin with more than 150 species. This introductory talk will focus on basic Carex ecology, morphology, and common terminology, and will be useful for anyone looking to expand their understanding and use of identification guides and keys.
Aaron Feggestad, Stantec
Recorded November 14, 2025
Aaron Feggestad has been a practicing wetland professional for the past 20+ years, working in Wisconsin and the Great Lakes Region as a consulting ecologist, volunteer, and educator. Fascinated by the role of Carex in natural area function and the importance of Carex in the restoration of many types of natural communities, he is working towards a goal of cataloging nearly all the 158 species that occur within the state.
Additional Resources:
- Flora of North America
- Field Guide to Wisconsin Sedges
- Spring Flora of Wisconsin
- Minnesota Wildflowers
- Field Manual of Michigan Flora
- Bog-Fen Carex of the Upper Midwest
- Sedges and Rushes of Minnesota
- Carex of Illinois and Surrounding States: The Oval Sedges
- Sedges: Carex (The Illustrated Flora of Illinois)
- Flora of the Chicago Region: A Floristic and Ecological Synthesis
Related content
Wetland Coffee Break: Spectacular sedges in Wisconsin’s wetlands
