Buxbaum’s Sedge

(Carex buxbaumii)

Buxbaum’s Sedge (Carex buxbaumii)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Carex buxbaumii, commonly known as Buxbaum’s Sedge, is a semi-deciduous perennial sedge native to wet meadows, marshes, and fens in Northern Europe, Western Russia, and North America. It typically forms dense clumps from long rhizomes and reaches a height of 75–100 cm (30–39 inches). The narrow leaves are inconspicuous compared to the stems. The inflorescence is characterized by a single bract that can sometimes be longer than the spikes themselves, which are not particularly showy. Flowering occurs in late spring to early summer.

Buxbaum’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 plant in moist garden areas. It provides habitat and food for wildlife, particularly in wetland ecosystems. In cultivation, it requires full sun to part shade and prefers consistently moist to wet soil conditions with poor to moderate drainage. While it is not known for aggressive roots, it can spread via rhizomes and may require management in smaller garden settings. It is generally low-maintenance once established but can suffer from rust diseases in some conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Grass
  • Height: 1-3 feet
  • Width: 1-3 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Semi-Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium, High
  • Drainage: Slow

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Deer Resistant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Low Maintenance, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Wet meadows, marshes, and fens in Northern Europe, Western Russia, and parts of the Northern USA

Other Names

Common Names: Brown Bog Sedge, Brown Sedge, Club Sedge, Dark-Scale Sedge, Kølle-Star, Buxbaums Segge, Nuijasara, Carex De Buxbaum, Laiche De Buxbaum, Buksbauma Grislis

Scientific Names: , Carex buxbaumii, Carex polygama, Carex polygama subsp. subulata, Carex buxbaumii f. oenipontana, Carex picea, Carex buxbaumii f. dilutior, Carex buxbaumii var. sibirica, Carex holmiana, Carex polygama var. brevisquamosa

GBIF Accepted Name: Carex buxbaumii Wahlenb.