Davis Sedge, Carex davisii

Davis Sedge

Carex davisii

Benefits: Pollinator Benefit Graphic
Sun Shade: Plant Light Requirements Graphic
Bloom Time: Late Spring/Early Summer
Hardiness Zones: 4, 5, 6, 7
Soil Conditions: Loam
Soil Moisture: Wet
Color: Green
Fragrance: No
Height: 2.5 to 3 feet
Spacing: 18 inches

 Description
Carex Sedge (Carex davisii) is is 1½–3 feet tall, often forming small loose tufts of fertile and sterile shoots (culms with alternate leaves). The culms are light green, 3-angled, and hairless or slightly hairy. The leaf blades are up to 12 inches long and 1/3-inch. They are light to medium green and channeled along their mid-veins. The upper surface of each leaf blade is glabrous, while the lower surface is hairless to slightly hairy. The blades are ascending to widely spreading along each culm. The leaf sheaths are light to medium green and usually slightly hairy; the summit of the inner side of each sheath is concave or V-shaped.

The blooming period occurs from late spring to early summer; the perigynia and their achenes disarticulate from the spikelets later during the summer. The achenes are 2.0–2.5 mm. long, ovoid in shape, and 3-angled. Each achene is pointed at the bottom. The root system is fibrous and short-rhizomatous.

Habitats include both upland and floodplain deciduous woodlands (usually where the tree canopy is somewhat open), wooded slopes along ravines and river valleys, woodland openings and alluvial meadows, powerline clearances in wooded areas, areas along woodland paths, and abandoned fields. This sedge can be found in either slightly degraded or higher quality habitats.

Davis Sedge prefers partial sun or dappled sunlight, moist to mesic conditions, and loamy soil. The fertile culms have a tendency to lean sideways at maturity.

 Plant Notes and Herbal Uses
  The foliage of this sedge goes dormant in hot dry summers.
 Further Information

 Wisconsin Fruit Trees
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