Carex spicata

The culms of Carex spicata are long and approximately triangular in section. The inflorescence is long, and comprises 3–8 spikes. Each spike is long, with female (pistillate) flowers at the base, and male (staminate) flowers at the tip. ==Distribution and ecology==

Carex spicata has a European temperate distribution, although it has been extensively naturalised outside this native range. Carex spicata is usually found in grassland (usually in British NVC community MG10 in the British Isles), on roadsides, and in waste ground. It is found on heavy, slightly base-rich soils, and cannot tolerate much competition. ==Taxonomy==

Carex spicata was first described by the English botanist William Hudson in his 1762 work Flora Anglica. It is known in the British Isles as "spiked sedge", in North America as "spicate sedge" or "prickly sedge". In Irish it is called ', and in Welsh, its name is ', ' or '. Few hybrids have been reported between C. spicata and other members of Carex sect. Phaestoglochin, but hybrids have been reported between C. spicata and C. otrubae, and between C. spicata and C. echinata. ==References==