Prepared by Holly Bickerton, Adele Crowder, Todd Norris, and Hilary Knack

Juniper Sedge (Carex juniperorum) is a small, distinctive, and very rare plant in the sedge family (Cyperaceae). The species was recently described in 1993, and it is known only from about 35 sites globally, all of which occur in eastern North America. It is considered globally vulnerable (G3), and critically imperilled (N1) in Canada. In Ontario, Juniper Sedge is designated as endangered under the Endangered Species Act, 2007. Five occurrences have been documented in Ontario, and all are thought to be extant. Of these, four are found on private land within the Salmon River Alvar Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) of the Napanee Plain in eastern Ontario, and one population exists in a provincial park in southwestern Ontario.

The most recent estimate of the Ontario population was in 2000, when the population was estimated at 6600 plants in four populations. Since that time, a small population has been discovered, but very little surveying has occurred, and no updated estimate or trends are available.

Very little is known about the biology or ecology of the Juniper Sedge, which is thought to be a species of alvar woodlands, particularly occurring in association with red cedar. On the Napanee Plain, Juniper Sedge occurs in characteristic alvar woodland dominated by Red Cedar, on shallow calcareous soils over limestone. The population in southwestern Ontario occurs in an upland deciduous forest, dominated by Red Oak.

The predominant threat to Juniper Sedge is probably habitat loss due to development. However, sites in the Napanee Plain are also threatened by invasive species such as European Buckthorn and Common Lilac. Other potential threats include habitat degradation, natural succession, and possibly fire suppression. Again, sites have not been visited recently to assess threats.

The recovery goal for Juniper Sedge is to maintain or increase the population abundance and area of occupancy in Ontario, and to ensure the species’ long-term persistence within its current range. The recovery objectives are to:

  • identify and protect populations and their habitats by working collaboratively with landowners and land managers;
  • regularly monitor and report on all populations and habitats;
  • address knowledge gaps relating to the ecology and management of Juniper Sedge;
  • identify and manage threats through monitoring and habitat management of Juniper Sedge populations and habitat;
  • if feasible and necessary, consider ex-situ conservation of Juniper Sedge through germplasm conservation.

It is recommended that a habitat regulation for Juniper Sedge protect the area within 50 metres of plants. This is a precautionary approach to ensure the habitat conditions directly surrounding Juniper Sedge plants are maintained. In cases where protected areas are less than 50 metres apart, the intervening area should also be protected if it contains suitable habitat.