Share your observations of plants or non-game animals with the Natural Heritage Inventory
Photo by Ryan O'Connor, WDNR
Swan Sedge (Carex swanii), a Wisconsin Special Concern plant, is found most often in oak savannas and open, sandy oak woodlands, as well as in southern mesic forests. It is sometimes reported at moist margins where these habitats transition to shrub-carr. Blooming occurs late May through early June; fruiting occurs throughout June. The optimal identification period for this species is throughout June.
Synonyms: Carex virescens var. swanii
The table below provides information about the protected status - state and federal - and the rank (S and G Ranks) for Swan Sedge (Carex swanii). See the Working List Key for more information about abbreviations. Counties shaded blue have documented occurrences for this species in the Wisconsin Natural Heritage Inventory database. The map is provided as a general reference of where this species has been found to date and is not meant as a range map.
Summary Information | |
---|---|
State Status | SC |
Federal Status in Wisconsin | none |
State Rank | S1 |
Global Rank | G5 |
Tracked by NHI | Y |
The Natural Heritage Inventory has developed scores indicating the degree to which each of Wisconsin's rare plant species is associated with a particular natural community or ecological landscape. This information is similar to that found in the Wildlife Action Plan for animals. As this is a work in progress, we welcome your suggestions and feedback.
This table lists the natural communities that are associated with Swan Sedge. Scores for natural community associations are: "significant" association (score=3), "moderate association" (score=2) or the species can be present but is only weakly associated with the community (score=1).
Natural communities | score |
---|---|
Alder Thicket | 1 |
Oak Woodland | 3 |
Southern Dry-mesic Forest | 2 |
Southern Mesic Forest | 2 |
Oak Opening | 3 |
This table lists the ecological landscape association scores for Swan Sedge. The scores (3=High, 2=Moderate, 1=Low, 0=None) also correspond to the map.
Ecological landscape | score |
---|---|
Southeast Glacial Plains | 3 |
Southern Lake Michigan Coastal | 3 |
The Endangered Resources Program has developed avoidance measures and management guidelines for plants on the Natural Heritage Working List. These are a work in progress, and we welcome your suggestions and feedback. Sources used in developing this information can be found here.
These are specific actions designed to avoid "take" (mortality) of this species.
Management guidelines are additional considerations that may help maintain or enhance habitat for this species
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Support for Wisconsin's rare plant information has been provided by the Division of Forestry, the Endangered Resources Fund and the Wisconsin Rare Plant Preservation Fund. To donate, visit the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin [exit DNR].