SafePlants

Fuzzy Wuzzy Sedge (Carex hirsutella)

Carex hirsutella, commonly known as Fuzzy Wuzzy Sedge or Hirsute Sedge, is an ornamental grass prized for its unique texture.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant has thin, long leaves that could be tempting for pets to chew on.
• The leaves are hairy on both upper and lower surfaces, which gives the plant its common name. This hairy texture could potentially cause mild irritation if ingested.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Carex hirsutella Mack.
• Common Names: Fuzzy Wuzzy Sedge, Hirsute Sedge
• Genus: Carex
• Species: hirsutella
• Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge family)
• Synonyms: Carex hirsuta, Carex triceps

Description

• Carex hirsutella is characterized by its thin, long leaves that are hairy on both surfaces, giving it a fuzzy appearance.
• It is a graminoid plant, meaning it resembles grass.
• The flowers are green, yellow, or brown, and are arranged in spikes.

Habitat and Distribution

• Fuzzy Wuzzy Sedge can be found in upland woods and savannahs.
• It thrives in meadows and dry to mesic woods with neutral to slightly acidic soil.
• This sedge prefers part sun and medium to moderately dry moisture levels, thriving in somewhat sterile, sandy soil.

Distinguishing Features

• Unlike other sedges with hairy leaves and culms, such as Carex hirtifolia and C. swanii, Carex hirsutella has smooth rather than hairy culms.
• It may be confused with Carex bushii (Bush's Sedge), but the pistillate scales are different.

Ecology

• Grasses, sedges, and rushes, including Fuzzy Wuzzy Sedge, are important for attracting various organisms in their ecosystems.

Further Resources

• Dave's Garden offers tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants.
• Discover Life provides information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Carex hirsutella.