Cloud Sedge
Carex haydeniana
- Native to:
- Canada, United States
Hurd, E.G., N.L. Shaw, J. Mastrogiuseppe, L.C. Smithman, and S. Goodrich.
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Cyperaceae
- Genus:
- Carex
- Species:
- Carex haydeniana
- USDA Symbol:
- CAHA6
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 40 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- small mammals, birds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- moist, well-drained, organic-rich soil
- pH:
- 5.0 - 7.0 (acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- good drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Found in alpine and subalpine meadows
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–45 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require light for germination. Maintain consistent moisture and cool temperatures for best results.
Pre-treatment: Cold moist chilling in a refrigerator maintained at 34 to 37°F for 5-6 months. Seeds are sown on germination pads in petri dishes and kept moist for the duration of the cold chill.
Establishment: This species is very sensitive to decreasing light intensities. Germination decreased significantly with lower light levels. Seedling mortality was highest at the partial irradiance level. A small amount of additional germination occurred in the zero irradiance groups after a secondary full irradiance. Collect mature inflorescences in late August and early September when perigynia and scales turn dark brown.
Source: npn.rngr.net