Pictorial guide to the flora of the British Isles

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Carex arenaria L.

sand sedge (Cyperaceae)

 SpreadBias within British IslesDirection of bias
WidespreadNegligible tendencyNW
Plant Atlas 2020
BSBI Distribution Map

Carex arenaria grows in sandy places, mostly along the coast, but also inland sands such as Breckland and the North Lincolnshire coversands; it uses rhizomes to spread over large areas.

Newborough (VC52: Anglesey); 2007-06-02

 sand sedge / Carex arenaria: _Carex arenaria_ grows in sandy places, mostly along the coast, but also inland sands such as Breckland and the North Lincolnshire coversands; it uses rhizomes to spread over large areas.

In Carex arenaria, the terminal spike is entirely male, and the leaf-sheaths are membranous on the side opposite the blade, distinguishing it from the inland species Carex disticha.

Newborough (VC52: Anglesey); 2007-06-02

 sand sedge / Carex arenaria: In _Carex arenaria_, the terminal spike is entirely male, and the leaf-sheaths are membranous on the side opposite the blade, distinguishing it from the inland species _Carex disticha_.

All images copyright © Christopher J. Dixon unless otherwise indicated.

L-R: Bidens tripartita, Melilotus officinalis, Mimulus guttatus, Thalictrum flavum, Ranunculus peltatus, Anchusa arvensis, Malva alcea, Lolium perenne