SafePlants

Slough Sedge (Carex obnupta)

Slough sedge, scientifically known as Carex obnupta, is a perennial sedge native to western North America.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant has arching, grassy leaves.
• It produces seed heads.

Considerations for Children

• The plant has arching, grassy leaves.
• It produces seed heads.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Carex obnupta L.H. Bailey
• Common Name: Slough sedge
• Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge family)
• Synonym: Previously known as Carex magnifica.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to western North America, from British Columbia to California.
• Grows in wetland habitats, wet woods, ditches, meadows, marshes, swamps, wet meadows, stream and pond margins, and shallow water.
• Common in urban areas.
• Frequently found thriving in marshes, wet areas along the Pacific coast.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Rapidly growing perennial that spreads by rhizomes.
• Typically grows to about 2 feet (though reported to reach 5 feet).
• Semi-tuft forming sedge, growing from dense, creeping rhizomes.
• Evergreen leaves are grass-like and coarse, reaching lengths of up to 12 inches.
• Forms dense stands.
• Has thick triangular stems.
• Erect culms (central stems) are unbranched and glabrous.
• Leaves are 4-10 mm wide.
• An attractive tussock-forming perennial.

Ecological Role

• Spreads readily and can be considered aggressive.
• Provides food and shelter for waterfowl.

Seed Dispersal

• Slough sedge holds onto its seed-bearing perigynia through the winter.
• Seeds can then be dispersed during spring floods.

Further Information

• USDA NRCS Idaho Plant Materials Center &amp the National Plant Data Team
• University of Washington Burke Museum herbarium
• Discover Life
• The Watershed Nursery
• Project Noah