True Sedge Workshop: A Weeklong Dive into the Genus Carex

Name: True Sedge Workshop: A Weeklong Dive into the Genus Carex
Start: 2026-06-01T09:00:00-04:00
End: 2026-06-05T12:00:00-04:00
Location: 265 N 6th St, Highlands, NC, United States, North Carolina 28741

Schedule

Mon, 01 Jun, 2026 at 09:00 am to Fri, 05 Jun, 2026 at 12:00 pm

UTC-04:00

Location

265 N 6th St, Highlands, NC, United States, North Carolina 28741 | Highlands, NC

Sedges & the Genus Carex of the Southern Appalachians (Field & Lab Course)
June 8–12, 2026
2 Credit Hours
Instructor: Dr. Joey Shaw, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Cost: $500
True sedges are among the most challenging plant groups to identify. With multiple species often growing side by side, highly reduced floral structures, specialized terminology, and diagnostic features that may rely on very fine measurements or mature material, sedges frequently present difficulties even for experienced botanists.
This course is designed to help students build confidence and clarity in sedge identification, with two primary goals:
• Developing fluency in sedge terminology and learning how to confidently apply that terminology when working through identification keys
• Understanding the key characteristics that distinguish the many taxonomic sections of the genus Carex, as well as how to separate Carex from other spring-flowering sedges
Using herbarium specimens, freshly collected material, and additional classroom samples, students will assemble an in-room reference collection organized by genus and Carex section. This hands-on approach allows direct comparison of specimens, reinforcing both visual recognition and taxonomic concepts.
Most of the course will focus on identifying Carex to section rather than to species, making the material approachable while still building meaningful botanical skills. However, students interested in working at the species level are welcome and encouraged to do so.
This workshop is ideal for anyone looking to deepen their plant identification skills and gain greater confidence working with one of the most intricate groups of flowering plants.