Carex scoparia - a new alien sedge in Europe

In 1992, Carex scoparia Schkuhr was found in the floodplain of the Latorica river (East-Slovakian Lowlands, Slovakia). This North American sedge is a new alien species in Slovakia and also, in Europe. The sites in which the species was found are described, and their phytosociological characteristics and results of soil analyses are presented. A detailed description of the species is provided and its characters important from the taxonomical point of view are compared with those of other related sedges known from the former Czechoslovakia, i.e. C. ovalis and C. muskingumensis. The features distinguishing C. scoparia from the closely related C. crawfordii are also mentioned. A key for determination of Central European representatives of sect. Ovales is provided. Possible ways of the species´ introduction to Central Europe are discussed.