Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Cyperaceae

Genus:

Carex

Species:

Carex billingsii

USDA Symbol:

CABI22

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Graminoid

Height:

60 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Medium

Bloom Months:

may,jun

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, small mammals

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Prairie-adapted species that resprouts vigorously from rhizomes after fire; benefits from periodic burning in native habitat.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

moist, well-drained, organic-rich soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

tolerates poor drainage

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

Common in wet meadows and marshy areas

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

14–45 days

Notes:

Seeds benefit from cold-moist stratification; germination can be erratic and extended over multiple weeks.