Sheep Sedge
Carex illota
- Native to:
- Canada, United States
Ivar Leidus
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Cyperaceae
- Genus:
- Carex
- Species:
- Carex illota
- USDA Symbol:
- CAIL
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 60 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- waterfowl, wetland birds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- moist, nutrient-rich, well-drained soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Commonly found in alpine and subalpine meadows
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require light for germination and consistently moist to wet conditions. Best sown on soil surface.
Pre-treatment: Seeds are sown directly into target containers with a growing medium of 40:20:20:20 peat:composted fir bark:perlite:pumice and Nutricote controlled release fertilizer at 0.5 gram per 107 ml container. Racks are sealed in plastic bags and refrigerated at 1 to 3 °C for 30 days. Cells are checked weekly and kept moist.
Source: npn.rngr.net