The life history of shoots of Carex lacustris

Abstract

Most shoots of Carex lacustris live for about 12–14 months, emerging in autumn, overwintering as shoots of up to 50 cm in length, and maturing during the next summer. Others emerge in early spring but both groups die in late autumn. A third class emerges in late July or August, grow to be over 50 cm in length, and die in late autumn, living only 2 or 3 months.Flower initials in this species begin growth in the September–October period and overwinter while about 1.0 cm in length. The shoots that develop inflorescences are in general longer, heavier, and have a greater basal diameter than those shoots which do not flower. More shoots flower if the water level in the marsh was high the previous year.