Use of ornamental potential of inflorescences in selected species of sedges (Carex L. – Cyperaceae) throughout the vegetation season

Abstract

Sedges are attractive ornamental plants, thanks to the specific structure of their inflorescences, perigynium morphology, an interesting habit and extended dates of individual phenological stages varying between species. Analyses were conducted on 15 sedge species differing in traits of their inflorescence shoots and varying in the shape and size of perigynia. Species characteristic of diverse habitats were selected so that they would meet the full spectrum of requirements of landscape architects. A nine-point scale was applied in this study, in which the decorative value of the investigated sedges was assessed. The greatest decorative value scores were recorded for Carex spicata, C. remota and C. pallescens (19 points each) and C. paniculata (18). In contrast, the lowest scores were found for C. ericetorum (12), C. digitata (13) and C. curta (14). Sedges planted in gardens are highly desirable elements of the landscape, particularly thanks to the phenotypic plasticity observed practically in all species throughout the entire vegetative season. key words: Carex, grass gardens, sedge inflorescences, compositions