Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Cyperaceae

Genus:

Carex

Species:

Carex praegracilis

USDA Symbol:

CAPR5

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Graminoid

Height:

90 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Medium

Bloom Months:

apr,may,jun,jul

Ground Cover:

Yes

Lawn Substitute:

Yes

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, small mammals

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts vigorously from rhizomes after fire. Common in fire-adapted grasslands and meadows.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

moist, fertile, well-drained loam

pH:

6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)

Drainage:

tolerates poor drainage

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

commonly found in meadows and wetlands

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Light aids germination. Seed may be slow and erratic; division is often more reliable for propagation.