Sedge Identification and Diversity
(Carex, Cyperaceae)

Many of the grass-like plants one may encounter in our natural areas in Kentucky are not actually grasses. Although similar, they are members of an entirely different family of plants; the sedge family (Cyperaceae)

Instructor: Rob Naczi*

When: May 21-22, 2019 (Tuesday/Wednesday)
Time:  9am-5pm Eastern Time
Where:  Richmond area, Eastern Kentucky University and nearby natural areas, exact details TBA
Cost:  $75

THIS WORKSHOP HAS FINISHED

Many of the grass-like plants one may encounter in our natural areas in Kentucky are not actually grasses. Although similar, they are members of an entirely different family of plants. This workshop will focus on the largest genus within the sedge family (Cyperaceae), the genus Carex. With close to 150 species in this genus found in Kentucky, the diversity of sedges (Carex) is astounding and they can tell us a lot about the natural communities upon which they are found. Rob Naczi, curator of the New York Botanical garden and North America’s Carex expert, will teach us about sedge diversity and how to identify this notoriously difficult group. 

*About the Instructor

Robert F. C. Naczi, PhD
Arthur J. Cronquist Curator of North American Botany, The New York Botanical Garden

http://www.nybg.org/science/scientist_profile.php?id_scientist=105
http://sweetgum.nybg.org/northeastflora/index.php
rnaczi@nybg.or

Robert Naczi is a plant systematist whose research focuses on the flora of North America, plant conservation, sedges (Cyperaceae), and Western Hemisphere Pitcher Plants (Sarraceniaceae). Naczi uses a multi-pronged approach in his research, utilizing field, herbarium, and laboratory methods. His fieldwork has given him first-hand knowledge of the plant life of much of North America. He and collaborators are writing a comprehensive account of the Northeast’s spontaneous plants, New Manual of Vascular Plants of Northeastern United States and Adjacent Canada. He is lead editor of Sedges: Uses, Diversity, and Systematics of the Cyperaceae (2008). Also, he co-authored Mistaken Identity? Invasive Plants and their Native Look-alikes: An identification guide for the Mid-Atlantic (2008). For 35 years, he has studied the taxonomy, phylogeny, and ecology of Carex. Carex is the largest genus of flowering plants in North America (500 species) and in most temperate regions of the world (2000 species total). Naczi earned the B.S. in Biology from St. Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, and the Ph.D. in Botany from University of Michigan.