Fox Sedge (Carex vulpinoidea) is a remarkable wetland sedge grows to form clumps two feet in diameter. In mid-summer seedheads spray out from the center of the plant for an excellent effect. Its narrow grass-like leaf blades grow in 2 feet clumps up to 3 feet in height. The seedheads, which spray out attractively from the center of the clump, resemble a foxs tail but are short-lived. Habitats include openings in floodplain woodlands, swamps, soggy thickets, river-bottom prairies, prairie swales, sedge meadows, low areas along ponds, gravelly seeps, streambanks, and ditches. This sedge is often found in degraded wetlands and wetlands that are seasonally flooded during the spring. Sometimes it is the dominant sedge in sedge meadows.
Grows well in damp to very wet soils in full sun to partial shade. Seeds should be planted in the fall or moist-stratified and planted in the spring. The preference is full to partial sun, wet to moist conditions, and soil containing loam, silt, clay, and/or gravel. Sometimes this robust sedge can spread aggressively, especially in disturbed areas where there is reduced competition from other plants.
This sedge may be weedy and spreads rapidly.
Some wetland birds feed on the seeds or seedheads.
Provides good cover for many species of wetland animals, including nesting habitat for the Sedge Wren.
Temporary flooding is tolerated.