Darkbrown Sedge
Carex atrofusca
- Native to:
- Afghanistan, Austria, Canada, China, Czechia-Slovakia, Finland, France, Greenland, India, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Labrador, Nepal, Norway, NW. Balkan Pen., Romania, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland, Tadzhikistan, United States, Uzbekistan
Thomas Mathis
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Cyperaceae
- Genus:
- Carex
- Species:
- Carex atrofusca
- USDA Symbol:
- CAAT7
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 40 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- brown, black
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Ross's alpine (Erebia rossii)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- moist, nutrient-rich, peaty soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Common in alpine and subalpine wetlands
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–60 days
- Notes:
- Cold stratification improves germination. Seeds require light and consistent moisture.