Sedges: a guide to identification using vegetative characters

Sedges: a guide to identification using vegetative characters (2026)

This AIDGAP identification guide covers the 85 species of sedges in Britain and Ireland.

A vegetative key that can be used all year round, ilustrated with full colour photographs throughout and designed for living grasses in the field.

Sedges are often found in habitats of good quality. Although some are widespread, many have quite narrow ecological requirements, so are good indicators for biodiversity assessments. Many sedges are critical for Phase I and National Vegetation Classification (NVC) surveys. Unfortunately they are often difficult to identify as most keys require specimens at just the right time of year to display all the characters needed for accurate identification, yet much habitat survey work is carried out when no flowers or fruits are available.

This guide is aimed at habitat surveyors who need an easily accessible key to Sedges. It covers 85 species within the Cyperaceae family, and is not limited to species of Carex. The aim is to provide a simplified dichotomous key to the common species of the family using easily defined vegetative characteristics; accompanied by illustrations, photos and notes on their habitat and distribution.

A great companion to the AIDGAP Grasses: A guide to identification using vegetative characters

The Field Studies Council’s AIDGAP guides series (Aids to Identification in Difficult Groups of Animals and Plants) are accessible identification keys, suitable for non-specialists from age 16+. All the guides in the series, undergo extensive testing before publication, by beginners and specialists alike.