Dense Sedge
Carex densa
Also known as: Dudley's Sedge
- Native to:
- Mexico, United States
Ivar Leidus
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Cyperaceae
- Genus:
- Carex
- Species:
- Carex densa
- USDA Symbol:
- CADE8
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
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- moist, fertile, well-drained loam
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Thrives in wetland areas and riparian zones
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–45 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate best with light exposure and consistently moist conditions. Fresh seed germinates more readily than stored seed.
Pre-treatment: Seeds require warm greenhouse conditions for germination. Cold moist stratification can be used, but it may reduce germination rate.
Establishment: Trials showed that cold moist stratification for 45 and 90 days resulted in lower germination rates (40% and 55% respectively) compared to no stratification (75%). Carex densa is found on the west side of the Cascade Mountain range from central Washington to northern California.
Source: npn.rngr.net