SafePlants

Fox Sedge (Carex vulpinoidea) and True Fox Sedge (Carex vulpina)

This page provides information about two related sedges: Fox Sedge (Carex vulpinoidea), also known as American Fox-sedge, and True Fox Sedge (Carex vulpina). They are both members of the Cyperaceae family and are often found in wet habitats.

Considerations for Pets

• Both True Fox sedge and Fox sedge have bristle like structures.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

• Scientific Name: Carex vulpinoidea (Fox Sedge, American Fox-sedge); Carex vulpina (True Fox Sedge); Carex otrubae (False Fox Sedge)
• Common Names: Fox Sedge, American Fox-sedge, Common Fox Sedge, Brown Fox Sedge, True Fox Sedge, False Fox Sedge.
• Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge family)
• Synonyms: The text mentions that Carex vulpina is often confused with Carex otrubae.

Distribution and Habitat

• Carex vulpinoidea (Fox Sedge) is native to North America, including most of Canada, the United States, and part of Mexico. It has also been introduced to Europe and New Zealand.
• Carex vulpina (True Fox Sedge) is associated with wetland habitats such as floodplain meadows, ditches, ponds, and rivers. It is found in Palaearctic formations.
• Both species thrive in wet habitats and heavy soils.

Ecological Role

• Fox Sedge (Carex vulpinoidea) can be weedy in some locations, especially in disturbed sites.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Both True Fox Sedge and Fox Sedge are densely tufted perennial plants.
• Carex vulpinoidea grows to be 1 to 3 feet tall, forming dense tufts of leaves and flowering culms. Individual plants can form clumps reaching 2 feet in diameter and height.
• Carex vulpina has stems with scarcely winged angles.
• Flowers on False Fox Sedge are a spike of yellow - green - pale brown.
• Leaves of Fox Sedge are 2-5 mm wide.
• Fox Sedge has flower spikes of varying colors, including yellow, green, and brown.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The text mentions that the sedge is visited by Craneflies (Tipula oleraceae)
• Fox sedge does not attract as many insects as its counterparts.

Additional Information

• Fox Sedge (Carex vulpinoidea) is used as an ornamental grass near water features. It is suitable for wetland restorations and rain gardens due to its adaptability to different moisture levels.

Quirky Facts

• True Fox sedge tussocks are palaearctic formations of the very large Carex vulpina.
• Fox sedge is sometimes confused with False Fox sedge, even by experts!