Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Cyperaceae

Genus:

Carex

Species:

Carex leavenworthii

USDA Symbol:

CALE6

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Graminoid

Height:

40 cm

Light Requirements:

Part Shade

Drought Tolerance:

Medium

Bloom Months:

apr,may,jun

Ground Cover:

Yes

Lawn Substitute:

Yes

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, small mammals

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts from base after fire; tolerates prescribed burns typical of prairie and savanna management.

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:

commonly found in woodland and meadow habitats

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Seeds germinate best with cold stratification followed by warm temperatures. Light may improve germination.