Awlfruit Sedge
Carex stipata
- Native to:
- Canada, China, Japan, Korea, Kuril Is., Labrador, Prince Edward I., Russia, United States, Virgin Islands
iNaturalist: © cchapman-lam (iNaturalist #6461628)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Cyperaceae
- Genus:
- Carex
- Species:
- Carex stipata
- USDA Symbol:
- CAST5
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 120 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- greenish
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- moist, fertile, organic-rich soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- commonly found in wetlands and riparian areas
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; surface sow on moist soil and keep warm after stratification.
Pre-treatment: Seeds are sown directly into target containers with a growing medium of 40:20:20:20 peat:composted fir bark:perlite:pumice and Nutricote controlled release fertilizer at the rate of 0.5 gram per 107 ml container. The containers are then sealed in plastic bags and refrigerated at 1 to 3 °C for 30 days. The cells are checked weekly and kept moist throughout the stratification period.
Source: npn.rngr.net
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Pizzo Native Plant Nursery (wholesale nursery)
- Native Plants Nursery (nursery)
- Prairie Moon Nursery (nursery and seeds)
- Native Seed Group (seeds)