Rare Species Guide

  Basis for Former Listing

Until fairly recently, Carex woodii (Wood's sedge) was considered a very rare species in Minnesota and believed to be confined to relatively few sites in mature forests in the southeastern corner of the state. Beginning in the 1990s, an increased awareness of this species resulted in numerous new records from that part of the state. This was primarily the result of survey work conducted by the Minnesota Biological Survey (MBS). As field botanists from MBS moved northward, they documented occurrences at several additional sites in central Minnesota, a region of the state where C. woodii had not been found before, and even one site in the northeast. Such a widespread distribution in the state was unexpected and indicated that a renewed look at the conservation needs of this species was warranted. Carex woodii was listed as a special concern species in Minnesota in 1984.

  Basis for Delisting

Because of the increased awareness and surveys for C. woodii, over 90 additional populations have been found. Carex woodii is now considered to be more common and widespread than originally thought. Therefore, special concern status for this species is no longer necessary. Carex woodii was delisted in 2013.

  References and Additional Information

Rothrock, P. E., and A. A. Reznicek. 2002. Carex sect. Paniceae. Pages 426-431 in Flora of North America Editorial Committee, editors. Flora of North America north of Mexico. Volume 23. Oxford University Press, New York, New York.

Smith, W. R. 2018. Sedges and rushes of Minnesota: the complete guide to species identification. University of Minnesota Press, Minneapolis. 696 pp.

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. 2012. Statement of need and reasonableness. Division of Ecological and Water Resources, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, St. Paul. 337 pp.