SafePlants

Sprengel's Sedge (Carex sprengelii)

Sprengel's Sedge is a versatile native sedge suitable for adding to native landscapes. It's known for its clump-forming habit and grass-like appearance.

Considerations for Pets

• Sprengel's Sedge features long, bright green leaves that form a dense clump, which might be attractive to pets.
• The plant produces dangling clusters of long-beaked fruits.

Considerations for Children

• Sprengel's Sedge features long, bright green leaves that form a dense clump, which might be attractive to children.
• The plant produces dangling clusters of long-beaked fruits.

Common Names

• Sprengel's Sedge
• Long-beaked Sedge

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Carex sprengelii Dewey ex Spreng.
• Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge Family)
• Taxonomic Rank: Species
• Synonyms: Carex longirostris Torrey, USDA Symbol: CASP7

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to North America, including Minnesota, and reported in British Columbia.
• Prefers moist to somewhat dry soil types, including loam to clay.
• Found in floodplain forests.
• Thrives in light conditions ranging from shade to full sun.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• A grass-like perennial that forms dense clumps.
• Reaches a height of 18-24 inches (approximately 1-2 ft or up to 3 ft in some instances).
• Flowering stems (culms) are triangular in cross-section and range from 12 to 36 inches high.
• Features linear, elongate leaves.
• Produces dangling clusters of long-beaked fruits in late spring.
• Possesses short-creeping rhizomes and loosely cespitose, forming colonies
• Fine-textured bright green foliage emerges very early spring.

Ecological Role

• Associated with American elm in woodland communities within floodplains.

Quirky Facts

• The pendant seed heads resemble dangling earrings in spring.

Further Information

• USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
• niiss.org