Sand Sedge
Carex arenaria
- Native to:
- Baltic States, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, NW. Balkan Pen., Poland, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Sweden, United States
Christian Fischer
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Cyperaceae
- Genus:
- Carex
- Species:
- Carex arenaria
- USDA Symbol:
- CAAR16
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 30 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- greenish
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
- Lawn Substitute:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 4.5 - 7.5 (acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- commonly found in coastal dunes
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from cold moist stratification for 4-8 weeks; sow in spring or fall.