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fringed sedge

Scientific Name: Carex crinita

Family: Cyperaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Graminoid

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Fringed Sedge (Carex crinita)

The fringed sedge (Carex crinita) is a striking plant valued for its ornamental qualities, particularly its fountain-like appearance. It's an excellent choice for native gardens, rain gardens, and shoreline stabilization.

Common Names

  • Fringed Sedge
  • Drooping Sedge
  • Short Hair (fs_01.jpg - likely a file name or code)

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Carex crinita Lam.
  • Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge Family)
  • Division: Magnoliaphyta
  • Class: Liliopsida
  • Subclass: Commelinidae
  • Order: Cyperales

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to North America.
  • Found in wet meadows, marshes, streams, seeps, swamps, and sloughs.
  • Specific locations mentioned include Wisconsin, Minnesota, Wicomico Co. (Maryland), and Cecil Co. (Maryland).

Ecological Role

  • Can be invasive in certain conditions due to its tendency to spread via rhizomes and form colonies.
  • Valuable for erosion control and shoreline stabilization.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Perennial sedge forming dense tussocks (clumps) of leafy culms.
  • Grows to a height of 2-4 feet (0.3-1.5 meters).
  • Culms are light green, 3-angled, and glabrous (smooth).
  • Leaves are shiny, evergreen, and strap-like.
  • Produces dangling green flower heads from May to June, which persist as seed heads into the summer.
  • Features long, nodding spikes.
  • Has short creeping rhizomes.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Eaten by a variety of insects.

Additional Information

  • Hardiness zones: 3-9.
  • Prefers wet to medium moisture levels and tolerates clay and sandy loams.
  • Grows well in full sun to full shade.
  • Seeds per packet: Approximately 500.
  • Seeds per ounce: Approximately 23,000.
  • Suggested companions include other sedges and swamp milkweed (Asclepias).
  • Actively grows during the spring and fall when soil temperatures are cool.

Resources

  • RHS (Royal Horticultural Society)
  • OPN (likely refers to a prairie garden resource, but the full name is not provided)
  • Wetland Plants of Wisconsin
  • Georgia Botanical Society
  • San Antonio River Authority
  • Discover Life
  • Vermont Flora Codes (CARCRI)