Common names include Tussock Sedge, Upright Sedge, Uptight Sedge.
Tussock Sedge is a rhizomatous evergreen sedge that grows in dense tussocks (clumps) to 1-3′ tall and to 2′ wide. It is an emergent aquatic that is native primarily to wetlands, marshes, bogs, and creek margins. Narrow, glaucous, grass-like leaves (to 3/8″ wide) grow in dense clumps. Older leaves turn straw brown as they die, and build up around the base of each clump surrounding the newer yellowish-green leaves. Flora of North America reports that plants grown in sites with seasonal flooding form distinctive large clumps, and plants grown in drier areas tend to spread more by rhizomes. Flowers appear in late spring in reddish-brown spikes atop stems rising above the foliage. Wetland species of Carex provide food and shelter to a variety of fauna including invertebrates, songbirds, and waterfowl such as mallards, soras, and rails. Foliage promptly turns yellow after frost.
Best grown in moist to wet soils including standing water in full sun to part shade. Grows well in wet low spots, water margins and areas that experience some seasonal flooding. Tolerates shady conditions. Spread may be aggressive and hard to control in average garden conditions.
Height: 1′-3’ Spread: 1’-2’ Bloom: May-June Light: Full Sun-Dappled Shade Water: Medium-High/Aquatic Zone: 3-8 Origin: Texas, much of North America
