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	Field Guide to Wisconsin Sedges An Introduction to the Genus Carex (Cyperaceae) by Andrew L. Hipp
	"The diversity and ecological importance of sedges was not the starting place for this book... rather, it was their beauty." Andrew Hipp, author Field Guide to Wisconsin Sedges
	Hipp's appreciation for the unique characteristics of sedges is well expressed in this finely illustrated introduction to Carex, the most numerous and widespread sedge genus. Students, naturalists and landscapers can use this guide to identify and enjoy the approximately 150 species growing in Wisconsin. "Admittedly, there are con­straints on the evolution of the sedge body," Hipp admits. "No sedge will ever produce a flower of the complexity of an orchid, and there will never be finely dissected leaves or big fleshy among the sedges. Yet within their constraints you will find a wide range of colors, textures, shapes, and growth forms."		Carex woodii Wood's Sedge (After William A. Wood, one of the plant's discoverers.) To fully appreciate the beauty of this early-blooming plant, let sunlight shine through the bladeless, red to purple basal leaf sheaths. The basal leaf sheaths and erect, narrow leaves are distinctive at a distance. Flowers May, fruits May to June, perigynia mostly falling in June and July.
	The opening section of the book provides keys for identifying all known sedge species in Wisconsin, emphasizing characters useful in the field. Measurements are necessary for most identifications, but other than a few particularly precise entries, measurements are rounded to the nearest 0.5 mm. "For the sake of clarity, most taxa key out in only one place in this key. Morphologically aberrant individuals may key out," Hipp explains.		Carex albursina White-Bear Sedge (Latin: white bear, after White Bear Lake, Minnesota, where the species was found in abundance by Edmond P. Sheldon.) Habitat and state range. Most common in mesic forests, southern two-­thirds of the state; uncommon in sandier soils of central Wisconsin. White­bear sedge often persists in disturbed forests but does not tolerate disturbance to the extent that Carex blanda does.
	The field guide portion of the book is beautifully illustrated by Rachel D. Davis, capturing the multivarious approaches to a simple theme. The majority of Wisconsin's carices, including all the common species, are either illustrated or discussed.		Carex scoparia Broom Sedge (After William A. Wood, one of the plant's discoverers.) This is one of Wisconsin's most common Ovales species and one of its most variable... The 1.2-2 mm wide lanceolate to ovate perigynia, spikes that are often tapered to both ends, and tight leaf sheaths distinguish this species from similar species in the section. Flowers May to June, fruits June to July. Habitat and state range. Most common in open, wet, sandy soil; occa­sionally in microsites that are more or less bare of other vegetation. The species ranges from shallow water (base of plant submerged) to, rarely, dry sandy uplands and from sun to partial shade. Common in wetlands through­out most of the state, uncommon in east-central Wisconsin, Door County, and much of the Driftless Area (though present there in floodplains). Typical habitats include marshes, sedge meadows, lakeshores, ditches, wet prairies, and occasional sphagnum bogs.

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