Zegge

Zegge is the Dutch common name for sedges, a group of grass-like plants in the family Cyperaceae, especially the genus Carex. In Dutch usage, zegge refers to several species that resemble grasses but belong to a different botanical family.

Morphology and identification are typical of sedges. Stems are usually solid and often triangular in cross-section, a feature people remember by the saying “sedges have edges.” Leaves are narrow and blade-like, arranged around the stems in three ranks. The inflorescence consists of spikelets that may appear solitary or in clusters, and the flowers lack showy petals. Most sedges are perennial and grow from rhizomes or dense clumps. They are predominantly wind-pollinated and produce small, hard fruits called achenes.

Ecology and distribution. Zegge species are widespread in temperate regions and are most common in moist or wet habitats, such as wetlands, marshes, damp meadows, riverbanks, and peat bogs. Many tolerate waterlogged soils and seasonal flooding, while some species prefer shaded wood margins. They play a role in ecosystem functioning by stabilizing soils, contributing to water filtration, and providing microhabitats for invertebrates and small vertebrates.

Taxonomy and naming. The term zegge covers many species within the genus Carex and other Cyperaceae. Distinguishing sedges from grasses relies on stem structure, leaf arrangement, and the distinctive spikelet-based inflorescences.

Uses and conservation. In horticulture, zegge is used as ornamental ground cover in moist or boggy gardens and for naturalistic landscapes. In ecological restoration and riverbank stabilization, sedges help prevent erosion and aid in water purification. Wetland drainage, hydrological alterations, and pollution threaten many zegge habitats, making habitat preservation and restoration important for conservation.