Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Cyperaceae

Genus:

Carex

Species:

Carex oligosperma

USDA Symbol:

CAOL3

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Graminoid

Height:

100 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

may,jun

Wildlife Benefits

Caterpillars:

★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, small mammals

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Tolerates occasional fire in peatland habitats; fire can reduce competition and stimulate seed germination.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)

Drainage:

tolerates poor drainage

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

commonly found in bogs and wetland areas

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days

Germination Time:

30–60 days

Notes:

Seeds require cold moist stratification for 60-90 days; germination occurs in spring under warm, moist conditions.