Longhair Sedge
(Carex comosa)
Longhair Sedge (Carex comosa)
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Reuven Martin
Public Domain
Image By:
Reuven Martin
Recorded By:
Copyright:
Public Domain
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Reuven Martin | License Type: Public Domain | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ | Rights Holder: Reuven Martin | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-07-25T10:47:15-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Carex comosa, commonly known as Longhair Sedge or Bristly Sedge, is a deciduous perennial grass native to wet meadows, marshes, and the edges of ponds and streams in the Eastern and North Central United States, as well as the Southeast US. It is particularly adapted to riparian areas and wetland habitats where it plays a role in soil stabilization and provides habitat for wildlife. Longhair Sedge typically grows in dense clumps with triangular stems that can reach heights of 100 to 120 centimeters. The inflorescence, up to 35 centimeters long, is characterized by several cylindrical spikes, each covered with scales that taper into long, thin awns, giving the plant its common name.
This sedge is valued for its ability to thrive in wet conditions, making it suitable for water gardens, rain gardens, and retention basins. It is also used for erosion control due to its dense root system. Longhair Sedge is easy to maintain and can be an attractive addition to naturalistic plantings. It requires full sun to part shade and prefers consistently moist to wet soils with medium to slow drainage. While it is not known for significant pest or disease problems, it can spread aggressively in ideal conditions, potentially becoming invasive in some areas.CC BY-SA 4.0
This sedge is valued for its ability to thrive in wet conditions, making it suitable for water gardens, rain gardens, and retention basins. It is also used for erosion control due to its dense root system. Longhair Sedge is easy to maintain and can be an attractive addition to naturalistic plantings. It requires full sun to part shade and prefers consistently moist to wet soils with medium to slow drainage. While it is not known for significant pest or disease problems, it can spread aggressively in ideal conditions, potentially becoming invasive in some areas.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Grass
- Height: 2-4 feet
- Width: 0.05-0.1 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: High
- Drainage: Medium, Slow
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Deer Resistant, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Native to wet meadows, marshes, and riparian areas in the Eastern and North Central United States
Other Names
Common Names: Bearded Sedge , Bottlebrush Sedge , Bristly Sedge , Long-Haired Sedge , Long-Hair Sedge , Carex À Toupet
Scientific Names: Carex comosa , Carex pseudocyperus var. comosa
GBIF Accepted Name: Carex comosa Boott