Hudson Bay Sedge
Carex heleonastes
- Native to:
- Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, Bulgaria, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Labrador, North Caucasus, Norway, Poland, Romania, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye, Ukraine, United States
Johann Georg Sturm (Painter: Jacob Sturm)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Cyperaceae
- Genus:
- Carex
- Species:
- Carex heleonastes
- USDA Symbol:
- CAHE4
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 60 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- waterfowl, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- peaty, nutrient-rich, moist soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- commonly found in wet meadows and bogs
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–60 days
- Notes:
- Requires light for germination. Seeds should be surface-sown on wet substrate and kept cold-moist.
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 4C for 3 months, then place @ 20C for 3 months.