SafePlants

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

This page provides information about Fox Sedge (Carex vulpinoidea) and True Fox Sedge (Carex vulpina), two closely related wetland plants. While both are referred to as "fox sedge," they have distinct characteristics and distributions. The information below covers aspects of their taxonomy, habitat, and more.

Considerations for Pets

• The leaves of sedges can have a papery texture with cross-wrinkled sheaths, which may be tempting for some pets to chew on.
• Sedges can be clump-forming, reaching a size of up to 2 feet in diameter and height. This dense growth habit might present a hiding place for small animals or insects that could pose a risk to pets.

Considerations for Children

• The leaves of sedges can have a papery texture with cross-wrinkled sheaths, which may be tempting for some children to play with.
• Sedges can be clump-forming, reaching a size of up to 2 feet in diameter and height. This dense growth habit might present a hiding place for insects that could sting or bite.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Carex vulpinoidea (Fox Sedge, American Fox-sedge), Carex vulpina (True Fox-sedge)
• Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge family)
• Taxonomic Notes: In Western continental Europe and the British Isles, Carex vulpina is often confused with Carex otrubae.
• Synonyms: The text alludes to confusion between Carex vulpina and Carex otrubae (False Fox-sedge).

Distribution and Habitat

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

Morphological Characteristics

• Carex vulpinoidea is a perennial sedge that forms dense tufts of leaves and flowering culms.
• The culms (stems) are light green, 3-angled, and glabrous (smooth).
• Fox Sedge can grow to be 2 to 3 feet tall.
• It features brown and yellow seed heads that spray outward during midsummer.
• Leaves of *Carex vulpinoidea* are 2-5 mm wide, with papery cross-wrinkled sheaths which are mottled.
• Carex vulpina is a densely tufted plant with stems that have scarcely winged angles.
• It has narrow, elongated orangey brown panicles and bristle-like structures.

Ecological Role

• Fox sedge is used in wetland restoration projects and rain gardens due to its ability to grow in various moisture conditions.
• It can be weedy in some places, favoring disturbed sites.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The text mentions a Cranefly (Tipula oleraceae) commonly known as a "Daddy Long Legs" observed on a sedge.
• While the text mentions that Yellow Fox Sedge may not attract as many insects as its counterparts, other sedges provide habitat for insects and wildlife.

Uses

• Fox sedge is used as an ornamental grass near water features in landscaping.