Identity
Unique IDELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.156561
Element CodePMCYP03AR0
Record TypeSPECIES
ClassificationSpecies
Classification StatusStandard
Name CategoryVascular Plant
Endemicoccurs (regularly, as a native taxon) in multiple nations
KingdomPlantae
PhylumAnthophyta
ClassMonocotyledoneae
OrderCyperales
FamilyCyperaceae
GenusCarex
Other Common Namesbroadleaf sedge (EN) Carex à larges feuilles (FR)
Concept ReferenceKartesz, J.T. 1994. A synonymized checklist of the vascular flora of the United States, Canada, and Greenland. 2nd edition. 2 vols. Timber Press, Portland, OR.
Conservation Status
Rank Method Rank calculation - Biotics v2
Review Date2025-08-12
Change Date1984-02-29
Edition Date2025-08-12
Edition AuthorsLabrecque, J. (1998), rev. Soteropoulos (2025)
Threat ImpactUnknown
Range Extent200,000-2,500,000 square km (about 80,000-1,000,000 square miles)
Number of Occurrences> 300
Rank ReasonsCarex platyphylla is a wide-ranging perennial graminoid found in rich, moist deciduous forests or cove forests, occurring in eastern North America from Quebec and Ontario, Canada, south to northwestern South Carolina, northern Georgia, eastern Tennessee, and Illinois in the United States. There are over 800 estimated occurrences, which face threats from development, logging, recreational activities, invasive species, and other threats in some places. Little is known about trends, but with a large range extent and large number of occurrences, abundant habitat, and broad habitat preferences, this species is considered secure.
Range Extent CommentsCarex platyphylla occurs in eastern North America from Quebec and Ontario, Canada, south to northwestern South Carolina, northern Georgia, eastern Tennessee, and Illinois in the United States (FNA 2002, Weakley and the Southeastern Flora Team 2025). Range extent was estimated to be approximately 1.3 million square kilometers using herbarium specimens, photo-based observations, and NatureServe Network occurrence data documented between 1994 and 2025 (GBIF 2025, iNaturalist 2025, NatureServe 2025, RARECAT 2025, SEINet 2025).
Occurrences CommentsBy applying a 1 km separation distance to herbarium specimens, photo-based observations, and NatureServe Network occurrence data documented between 1994 and 2025, it is estimated that there are over 800 occurrences rangewide (GBIF 2025, iNaturalist 2025, NatureServe 2025, RARECAT 2025, SEINet 2025).
Threat Impact CommentsIn the southeastern portion of its range, land-use conversion, habitat fragmentation, and forest management practices are moderate threats to this species (Southern Appalachian Species Viability Project 2002). Additional rangewide threats include development, logging, recreational activities, invasive species, and other threats in some places, though there is insufficient data, including anecdotal accounts, to understand scope and severity of threats for this species (NatureServe 2025). However, their overall impact is likely negligible given the species' broad range, large number of occurrences, and affinity for typically abundant habitats.