Common Wood Sedge, Carex blanda

Common Wood Sedge

Carex blanda

Benefits: Pollinator Benefit Graphic
Sun Shade: Plant Light Requirements Graphic
Bloom Time: Late spring/Early Summer
Hardiness Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Soil Conditions: Acid, Clay, Loam
Soil Moisture: Medium, Moist, Wet
Color: Brown
Fragrance: No
Height: 2 feet
Spacing: 2-3 feet

 Description
Common Wood Sedge, Carex eburnea, also called Bristle-leaf Sedge, commonly occurs in crevices of limestone bluffs. It is also known to grow in drier sandy soils, particularly on limestone outcroppings and glades. This sedge is grown in the landscape for its foliage effect. Soft, thread-like, green leaves form a spherical, porcupine-like clump to 6-10 inches tall and as wide. Whitish-green flowers on spikes in spring are insignificant. The root system is fibrous and short-rhizomatous.

Habitats include upland woodlands, bottomland woodlands, woodland openings, powerline clearances in wooded areas, savannas, thickets, degraded prairies, weedy meadows, lawns and gardens (particularly in shaded areas), vacant lots, and waste areas. Common Woodland Sedge has been found in both deciduous and deciduous/coniferous woodlands (or mixed woodlands). This sedge can be found in high quality woodlands, but it is also common in degraded woodlands and other habitats with a history of disturbance. In tallgrass prairies, Common Woodland Sedge functions as a shade-tolerant understory plant.

Grow in medium moisture soils in part shade to full shade. Thrives in soils that receive consistent moisture, but also will grow in drier sandy or rocky soils. Plants spread slowly by rhizomes over time, sometimes forming large colonies in optimum conditions in the wild.

 Plant Notes and Herbal Uses
  Good choice for rock gardens.
  Cut foliage to the ground and remove in late winter.
 Further Information

 Wisconsin Fruit Trees
 Wisconsin Edible Berry Shrubs
 Widsconsin Edible Plants-Eat On The Wild Side
 8 Dandelion Recipes
 Wisconsin Native Plant Nurseries

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