Dunhead Sedge
Carex phaeocephala
- Native to:
- Canada, United States
Ivar Leidus
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Cyperaceae
- Genus:
- Carex
- Species:
- Carex phaeocephala
- USDA Symbol:
- CAPH2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 40 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- brown
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- well-drained, rocky or sandy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to alpine and subalpine regions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from light exposure during germination. Surface sow or barely cover with soil.
Pre-treatment: Seeds undergo a 5-6 month cold, moist stratification either in a refrigerator maintained at 34 to 37°F or outdoors. Seeds are then exposed to varying light intensities.
Establishment: The species is not sensitive to decreasing light intensities from full to partial irradiance levels, but germination decreases sharply at zero irradiance. There is a measurable gain in germination when zero irradiance treatments are exposed to a secondary full irradiance. Seeds are collected in September.
Source: npn.rngr.net