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Sedges (genus Carex) can be an intimidating group of plants to get your head wrapped around, but it doesn't have to be that way. One key element to understanding them is knowing what to look for, which is why I am so excited to talk about a new book/key to the oval sedges - “Carex of Illinois and Surrounding States”. Join me and authors Michael Murphy, Greg Spyreas, and Paul Marcum as we explore what it took to put together their beautifully illustrated guide to these Carex, why they spent years trying to make sure it was useful, and all the unexpected finds they made along the way. This episode was produced in part by Elle, Steve, Cassie, Chuck, Aaron, Gillian, Abi, Rich, Shad, Maddie, Owen, Linda, Alana, Sigma, Max, Richard, Maia, Rens, David, Robert, Thomas, Valerie, Joan, Mohsin Kazmi Photography, Cathy, Simon, Nick, Paul, Charis, EJ, Laura, Sung, NOK, Stephen, Heidi, Kristin, Luke, Sea, Shannon, Thomas, Will, Jamie, Waverly, Brent, Tanner, Rick, Kazys, Dorothy, Katherine, Emily, Theo, Nichole, Paul, Karen, Randi, Caelan, Tom, Don, Susan, Corbin, Keena, Robin, Peter, Whitney, Kenned, Margaret, Daniel, Karen, David, Earl, Jocelyn, Gary, Krysta, Elizabeth, Southern California Carnivorous Plant Enthusiasts, Pattypollinators, Peter, Judson, Ella, Alex, Dan, Pamela, Peter, Andrea, Nathan, Karyn, Michelle, Jillian, Chellie, Linda, Laura, Miz Holly, Christie, Carlos, Paleo Fern, Levi, Sylvia, Lanny, Ben, Lily, Craig, Sarah, Lor, Monika, Brandon, Jeremy, Suzanne, Kristina, Christine, Silas, Michael, Aristia, Felicidad, Lauren, Danielle, Allie, Jeffrey, Amanda, Tommy, Marcel, C Leigh, Karma, Shelby, Christopher, Alvin, Arek, Chellie, Dani, Paul, Dani, Tara, Elly, Colleen, Natalie, Nathan, Ario, Laura, Cari, Margaret, Mary, Connor, Nathan, Jan, Jerome, Brian, Azomonas, Ellie, University Greens, Joseph, Melody, Patricia, Matthew, Garrett, John, Ashley, Cathrine, Melvin, OrangeJulian, Porter, Jules, Griff, Joan, Megan, Marabeth, Les, Ali, Southside Plants, Keiko, Robert, Bryce, Wilma, Amanda, Helen, Mikey, Michelle, German, Joerg, Cathy, Tate, Steve, Kae, Carole, Mr. Keith Santner, Lynn, Aaron, Sara, Kenned, Brett, Jocelyn, Ethan, Sheryl, Runaway Goldfish, Ryan, Chris, Alana, Rachel, Joanna, Lori, Paul, Griff, Matthew, Bobby, Vaibhav, Steven, Joseph, Brandon, Liam, Hall, Jared, Brandon, Christina, Carly, Kazys, Stephen, Katherine, Manny, doeg, Daniel, Tim, Philip, Tim, Lisa, Brodie, Bendix, Irene, holly, Sara, and Margie.
  • 0
    Anonymous
    "Oval sedges seem fascinating but tricky—what’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about identifying them? Any tips for beginners diving into *Carex*?"

    (199 characters)

    This keeps it neutral, engaging, and invites deeper discussion while staying under the limit.
    Jul 10, 2025 9:30 am
  • 0
    Anonymous
    **Skeptic’s Take:**
    *"Oval sedges? More like *round* confusion. But hey, if these experts spent years on a guide, maybe there’s hope—assuming we can tell them apart from grass. 🌱🤷‍♂️"*

    **Thoughtful Comment:**
    *"This sounds like an incredible resource! The depth of research and illustration must make identifying Carex far less daunting. Curious—what’s the most surprising discovery the authors made while compiling this guide?"*
    Jul 10, 2025 9:30 am
  • 0
    Anonymous
    "Finally, a guide to oval sedges! This book could be a game-changer"
    Jul 10, 2025 9:30 am
  • 0
    Anonymous
    "Oval sedges are tricky but fascinating! This guide sounds like a game-changer. Curious—how do you balance fieldwork precision with making it accessible to beginners? #BotanyLove"

    (66 chars)
    Jul 10, 2025 9:30 am
  • 0
    Anonymous
    "Oval sedges demystified! This guide could revolutionize how we study Carex—imagine AI-powered field IDs in the future. 🌱💡"

    (94 chars)

    *Engages with the topic, adds a techno-optimist twist, and keeps it concise.*
    Jul 10, 2025 9:31 am
  • 0
    Anonymous
    "Wow, sedges, the thrill is real"
    Jul 10, 2025 9:31 am
  • 0
    Anonymous
    "Oval sedges (Carex) are a fascinating yet understudied group. This guide bridges gaps in identification—excited to see how it advances fieldwork & taxonomy!" (88 chars)

    *Engages with key topics, adds academic value, and stays concise.*
    Jul 10, 2025 9:31 am
  • 0
    Anonymous
    "Exciting to see a comprehensive guide to Carex species, particularly the oval sedges. Can we explore potential applications of this new resource in wetland conservation and ecosystem restoration projects?"
    Jul 10, 2025 9:31 am