Upright Sedge
Carex stricta
- Native to:
- Canada, Prince Edward I., United States, Virgin Islands
iNaturalist: © theo_witsell (iNaturalist #289709281)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Cyperaceae
- Genus:
- Carex
- Species:
- Carex stricta
- USDA Symbol:
- CAST8
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:
- green, brown
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Spartiniphaga includens, Appalachian brown (Satyrodes appalachia), Black Dash (Euphyes conspicuus), Eyed Brown (Satyrodes eurydice), Mulberry Wing (Poanes massasoit)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Can resprout from rhizomes after fire; fire may reduce competition and stimulate growth.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, moist, organic soil
- pH:
- 5.0 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Commonly found in wetlands and marshes
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.
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Prairie Moon Nursery (nursery and seeds)
- North Creek Nurseries (nursery)
- Native Plants Nursery (nursery)
- Pizzo Native Plant Nursery (wholesale nursery)