Wheat Sedge
Carex atherodes
Also known as: Sedge
- Native to:
- Baltic States, Canada, China, Finland, Germany, Kazakhstan, North Caucasus, Poland, Russia, Sweden, Transcaucasus, Türkiye, United States
Ivar Leidus
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Cyperaceae
- Genus:
- Carex
- Species:
- Carex atherodes
- USDA Symbol:
- CAAT2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 120 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- waterfowl, wetland birds, muskrats
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fall Color:
- tan, brown
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Rhizomes resprout vigorously after fire in wetland prairie systems. Fire removes accumulated thatch and stimulates growth.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, moisture-retentive loam
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- commonly found in wetlands and marshy areas
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate best with light exposure and consistently moist conditions. Can be sown directly in saturated soil.