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Frank's sedge

Scientific Name: Carex frankii

Family: Cyperaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Graminoid

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: NY (Frank's sedge)

       

Frank's Sedge (Carex frankii)

Frank's Sedge, scientifically known as Carex frankii, is a native perennial sedge found in North America. It's a versatile plant suited for various wetland habitats and can add ecological value to gardens and restoration projects.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant has seeds that are attractive to waterfowl.
  • Can grow up to 3 feet tall and wide.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Carex frankii Kunth
  • Common Name: Frank's Sedge
  • Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge Family)
  • Synonym: CAFR3 (USDA Symbol)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to North America.
  • Found in wet prairies, edges of bodies of water, wet meadows, floodplains, bottomland forests, edges of streams and ponds, boggy areas, and wet ditches.
  • Prevalent throughout eastern North America.

Ecological Role

  • An important wetland plant.
  • Its seed is often included in wet meadow, wetland restoration, and wetland conservation seed mixes.
  • Provides excellent wetland bird habitat.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Cespitose (tufted) perennial sedge.
  • Typically grows to 2-3 feet tall. Can reach up to 3 feet wide.
  • Features a tuft of basal leaves and one or more flowering culms.
  • Culms have alternate leaves.
  • Forms one-inch long seed heads that turn brown in late summer.
  • Has thin leaves extending from the base of the stem, arching outward and downward.
  • Bloom Period: May-July
  • Bloom Color: Green

Growing Conditions

  • Grows best in moist soil.
  • Thrives around water gardens or along streams.
  • Useful for establishing native plants in shaded wooded areas.
  • Prefers full sun to partial shade.
  • Tolerates wet to moderately wet moisture levels.
  • Adaptable to moderately acid to neutral pH.
  • Well adapted to mucky soil and boggy areas.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • The thin thimble-shaped seed heads are eaten by waterfowl.

Landscape Applications

  • Suitable for mass planting in moist borders, woodland gardens, bogs, or along water margins.

Further Information

  • USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database.
  • Dave's Garden