Sun Exposure: Part Sun, Shade
Soil Moisture: Medium-Wet, Medium, Medium-Dry
Soil Type: Loam, Clay-Loam, Rocky/Gravelly
Height: 1-2 feet
Spread: 1-2 feet
Blooms: May, June, July
Root: Fibrous rhizomatous
Habitat: Mesic woodlands, Wooded terraces along rivers, Shaded riverbanks, Woodland openings.
Landscape uses: Shade garden, Pollinator garden
Complimentary Plants: Virginia Bluebells, Woodland Poppy, Wild Geranium, Golden Alexander
Wildlife Value: Sedges (Carex spp.) in woodlands are a source of food to various insects. Seeds are eaten by birds such as the Bobwhite Quail, Wild Turkey, immature Ruffed Grouse, Eastern Towhee, and various sparrows. When abundant, these plants provide cover for small rodents, ground-nesting woodland birds, and other wildlife. Host Plant: Appalachian Brown butterfly, Clemen's Cosmopterix Moth and several leaf-mining moths (Elachista spp.)
Seed Origin: Winona, MN (Prairie Moon Nursery seed supplier)
Germination Code: C(60)
Photo credits: #1 by Matt Lavin , #2/3/4 by Katy Chayka
Carex sprengelii - Long-beaked Sedge
This sedge has very interesting seed heads that form after the plant flowers in the spring. It is a clump forming sedge and is great for landscaping. It can be found naturally in rocky soil and prefers moist soils but it will also thrive in average soils and tolerate some drought if planted in the shade or partial shade. This is a cool season plant, and will actively grow in the early spring and fall when the soil is cool.