Carex lutea - Jenna Andrews

GOLDEN SEDGE RECOVERY PLAN

Written by Jenna Andrews, March 2018

Part 1: Description + Ecology of Organism

The Golden Sedge, referred to by its botanical name of Carex lutea (see photo, left) has little recorded life history and ecology as it is a somewhat recent discovery. The first specimen was discovered in North Carolina in 1990, less than 30 years ago.

Carex lutea has basal leaves, meaning what looks like those individual “blades of grass” actually form in a cluster together at the base of the plant and extend upward, usually around 11 inches, then produce shoots that can reach closer to 25 inches. The color is a striking yellowish green, with a grassy, graceful appearance. Flowering spikes appear in spring, usually with one male and up to three females. It is in the Cyperaceae (which is the sedge family).

The seed dispersal has been documented via carriers such as wind, precipitation sheet flow, animals, dropping culms/fruit deposits on ground beneath, etc. The species is found in sandy soils in saturated or wet “ecotones” that are located in the Savannas of North Carolina (more on this in Part 2).

Part 2: Geographic + Population Changes

Carex lutea populations are found in Pender and Onslow counties on North Carolina (see map, left), which is considered part of the northern temperate climate on North America. Believe it or not, there are only eight documented populations, all of which are in the counties belonging to North Carolina. Again, since this plant is s relatively newer discovery there is not much research on the organism’s population changes, but some information on how the geographic regions may have been changed or disturbed which will be discussed in Part 3. The following populations occur in geographic areas like Watkins Savanna, Haws Run Mitigation Site, Maple Hill School Road Savanna, Sandy runs Savanna, and more. Many of these sites are managed by the state as natural areas.

Part 3: Listing Date + Type of Listing

Carex lutea is listed as an endangered species on the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Plants under the ESA on January 23, 2002. The Recovery Plan states that “Carex lutea has a recovery priority number of 8, indicating moderate threats, a high potential for recovery and a taxonomic status of full species.” It is also found on the North Carolina Plant Conservation Act’s list of endangered species.

Part 4: Cause of Listing + Main Threats To Its Continued Existence

This species has been listed due to its very limited populations (only 8 documented populations, as stated earlier) endemic to North Carolina (coastal savanna regions) which is greatly threatened by habitat alteration! Plants need the right type of habitat to survive and thrive, and with such limited populations already, this species in endangered. The types of habitat alteration causes are as follows: “by fire suppression (see right), conversion of limited known habitat for residential, commercial, or industrial development, highway and utility expansion, and wetland drainage activities associated with silviculture, agriculture and development projects.”

It is important, in my opinion, to note that these reasons are all associated with human activity. Human alteration of the species preferred environment could cause the plant to become extinct if the Recovery Plan were not proposed and adopted.

Part 5: Description of Recovery Plan

The goal of the recovery plan for Carex lutea is to downlist it from the status of endangered species to the status of threatened species (first step) and eventually delist it entirely from the Endangered Species List (second step). The goal date is set for 2025 and will involve “addressing the immediate threats” that come with fire management so that this species can start establishing more populations. Of course part of the plan will also be research to better understand the “young” species by means of further researching seed dispersal methods and success rates. Based on a estimate for the next several years, the cost for the recovery plan is projected to be around $231,00 for full recovery tasks. There are many goals for the recovery plan but the primary one being to establish at least fifteen populations (so essentially doubling the size of what is stable now).

Part 6: What Can You Do?

Since some of the major threats to the species existence involve human activity that alter the habitat of the golden sedge, bringing awareness to the endangered status of the species could be a good first start. Development plays a big role in altering the habitat, so informing local developers in real estate that these regions are home to at-risk species could be a good first step. As a landscape architecture student and construction management minor, the world of design and building many times comes at the expense of wildlife habitat, but it doesn’t have to. Environmental groups need to push their information so everyone is educated about the risks of development.

Another way to get involved would be to help collect seeds from the existing population of the species so scientists can work on germination techniques. If you are a biology or botany major seeking an internship, this could be a possible opportunity to help with conservation if you are moving to the East Coast!

If you are interested in getting more involved, a good site to visit is the North Carolina Plant Conservation https://www.ncplantfriends.org/ where you can participate by clicking on the tabs that say “Become a Member” or “Become a Volunteer” or “Become a Donor.”

Part 7: Other Resources ( see above)

View the full recovery plan here:

https://ecos.fws.gov/docs/recovery_plan/20140507%20Carex%20lutea%20Recovery%20Plan%20Final.pdf

Literary Citation:

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2014. Recovery Plan for Golden Sedge (Carex lutea). Atlanta,

Georgia. 48 pp.

Photo Citations: (made in-text)