Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Cyperaceae

Genus:

Carex

Species:

Carex umbellata

USDA Symbol:

CAUM4

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Graminoid

Height:

30 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

apr,may,jun

Ground Cover:

Yes

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, small mammals

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts vigorously from rhizomes after fire. Common in fire-maintained oak savannas and pine barrens where periodic burning favors its persistence.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, nutrient-poor, well-drained soil

pH:

5.0 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

commonly found in dry, open woods and sandy areas

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

14–60 days

Notes:

Seeds benefit from cold-moist stratification and may show erratic germination over extended periods. Light aids germination.