Chamisso Sedge

Carex pachystachya

Native to:
Aleutian Is., Canada, Russia, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Cyperaceae
Genus:
Carex
Species:
Carex pachystachya
USDA Symbol:
CAPA14

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Graminoid
Height:
90 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
may,jun,jul

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, small mammals

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
tolerates poor drainage
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
prefers habitats like meadows and forest edges

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Seeds benefit from cold moist stratification for 30-60 days to break dormancy.

Pre-treatment: Dehulling enhanced germination up to 84%. Seeds also need six or more weeks cold-moist stratification before germinating.

Establishment: Seed heads can be clipped or easily hand-stripped when seed is mature, brown, and starting to shatter. This species is usually found in large patches, but heads must be collected individually because they grow intermixed with other species.

Source: npn.rngr.net