Sedge: meaning, definitions and examples

๐ŸŒพ
Add to dictionary

sedge

 

[sษ›dส’ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

plant type

Sedge refers to a group of perennial grass-like plants that typically grow in wetlands, marshes, and along the edges of streams and ponds. They belong to the family Cyperaceae, which distinguishes them from true grasses. Sedges often have triangular stems and are characterized by their solid, three-sided culms. They play a crucial role in their ecosystems by providing habitat and food for various wildlife and helping to stabilize soil in wet areas. Many species of sedge are also important in ornamental gardening and landscape design.

Synonyms

bulrush, cattail, reed.

Examples of usage

  • The sedge swayed gently in the breeze.
  • Many birds nest in the dense sedge along the water's edge.
  • Sedge species are often used in wetland restoration projects.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word originates from the Old English 'sรฆcg', which means rush or reed, indicating its wetland habitat.
  • Related terms can be found in various Germanic languages, such as 'Sedge' in Middle Dutch, reflecting its long-standing presence in lowland areas.

Ecology

  • Sedges are vital for wetland ecosystems as they help stabilize soil and provide habitats for numerous animal species.
  • Some sedge species can absorb and filter pollutants from water, making them important for maintaining water quality.

Cultural Significance

  • In traditional crafts, some indigenous peoples have used sedge to weave mats, baskets, and other items due to its flexibility and strength.
  • Sedges feature in folk songs and stories across various cultures, often symbolizing transition or natural beauty.

Botanical Aspects

  • Unlike true grasses, sedges have a distinctive triangular stem cross-section, which helps identify them.
  • They reproduce not only through seeds but also by rhizomes, allowing them to spread across waterlogged areas efficiently.

Land Management

  • Sedges are often used in landscape architecture for creating bioswales and rain gardens, contributing to stormwater management.
  • In agricultural practices, sedges can be a sign of wet soil conditions, often influencing land use and crop choices.

Translations

Translations of the word "sedge" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น junรงa

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเคœ (saj)

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Binse

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ rumput sedge

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะพัะพะบะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ tatarak

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ปใƒผใ‚ธ (seiji)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท saule

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ junco

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท saz

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ฐˆ๋Œ€ (galdae)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู‚ูŽุตูŽุจ (qasab)

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ rรกkos

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ rรกkos

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่ŽŽ่‰ (shฤ cวŽo)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ rogoz

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ sรฆf

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะถะตั€ (zher)

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒชแƒแƒชแƒแƒ•แƒ˜ (mtsotsavi)

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ saz

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ junco

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,292, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.