Primary Dune/ Japanese Sedge

COMMON NAME: Japanese Sedge

OTHER COMMON NAME(S):

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Carex kobomugi

FAMILY: Cyperaceae

COMMUNITY: Primary Dune

STATUS: Non-native

LIFESPAN: Perennial

HEIGHT: Four to twelve inches

FLOWERING TIME: June to September

FRUITING TIME: Late July to September

DISTRIBUTION: Massachusetts to Virginia

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Stiff, curling, yellow-green leaves with stout stems

GENERAL INFORMATION: The origins of Japanese Sedge are questionable, though it is believed that it was accidentally introduced in 1929, either from the wreck of a Japanese ship or from routine dumping of a ship’s ballast.  It grew quickly along the New Jersey coast, with growth habits similar to American Beach Grass.  Japanese Sedge however, appears more resistant to disease and human traffic. Like American Beach Grass, Japanese Sedge is an effective anchor for the primary dune sand.  It occupies a similar habitat in northeast Asia and is healthiest in areas with high rates of sand movement.  Transported by ocean waves, Japanese Sedge is now found from Massachusetts to Virginia.  It was greatly dispersed during the March of 1962. This plant is extremely invasive and is overtaking many areas that were originally covered by American Beach Grass.  It is considered one of the “ten most unwanted plants” in New Jersey.  As with other invasive plants, it is destructive by limiting the number of plant species within a plant community.

Please note: While harvesting wild berries/fruit is permitted at Island Beach State Park, visitors must adhere to park regulations at all times and must not damage vegetation or go off designated trails.  This information is presented for educational purposes.