Description

A wetland native (an emergent aquatic) that forms dense mounds (thus the common name) slightly above the water level. Through the previous year’s straw-colored leaves at the base, bright green new growth will emerge each spring. Flowers are green and age to chocolate brown spikelets on stalks that rise above the foliage. Growth habit varies with soil moisture: this sedge forms large tussocks on wet sites and is more rhizomatous when drier.   Carex are larval host to skipper butterflies, attract butterflies and feed turtles. Who wouldn’t want a turtle in their garden? 😊 Sedges also provide cover for nesting birds and other wildlife, so leave that decomposing foliage in place!   Tolerates shady conditions. Spreads by rhizomes to form large colonies. Spread may be aggressive and hard to control in average garden conditions. Height: 1-3 ft. Spread: 1-2 ft. Family: Cyperaceae Bloom time: May to June Sun: full sun to part shade Water: medium to wet Rain garden, naturalize According to Rutgers University, Carex are “rarely damaged” by deer. “Sedges have edges, rushes are round, grasses are hollow, straight to the ground.” photo credit: gmayfield10