Bebb’s Sedge
(Carex bebbii)
Bebb’s Sedge (Carex bebbii)
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Quinten Wiegersma
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Quinten Wiegersma
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Quinten Wiegersma | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Quinten Wiegersma | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-07-11T18:15:34-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Carex bebbii, commonly known as Bebb’s Sedge, is a perennial sedge that is deciduous or semi-deciduous depending on the climate. It is native to a variety of wetland habitats including marshes, wet meadows, fens, and along the edges of ponds and streams in the Northern USA and much of Southern Canada. This sedge typically grows to a height and width of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters), forming dense clumps of grass-like leaves. The inflorescences are brown and not particularly showy, but they do provide important ecological functions, such as habitat for wildlife.
Bebb’s Sedge is valued for its ability to thrive in wet conditions and is often used in rain gardens, wetland restoration projects, and as a naturalizing element in water-wise landscaping. It is also beneficial for erosion control due to its dense root system. This sedge prefers full sun to part shade and requires consistently moist to wet soil conditions. It is tolerant of a range of soil types, provided they are well-saturated. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to rust and leaf spot diseases. Bebb’s Sedge is not known for being invasive but can spread readily in suitable conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Bebb’s Sedge is valued for its ability to thrive in wet conditions and is often used in rain gardens, wetland restoration projects, and as a naturalizing element in water-wise landscaping. It is also beneficial for erosion control due to its dense root system. This sedge prefers full sun to part shade and requires consistently moist to wet soil conditions. It is tolerant of a range of soil types, provided they are well-saturated. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to rust and leaf spot diseases. Bebb’s Sedge is not known for being invasive but can spread readily in suitable conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Grass
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Width: 1.5-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Aquatic
- Drainage: Medium, Slow
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Deer Resistant, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Native to marshes, wet meadows, fens, and pond/stream edges
Other Names
Common Names: Bebb Sedge , Bebb’s Oval Sedge , Carex De Bebb , Kanadastarr
Scientific Names: Carex bebbii , Carex tribuloides var. bebbii
GBIF Accepted Name: Carex bebbii (L.H.Bailey) Olney ex Fernald