Carex echinata, commonly known as star sedge or little prickly sedge, is a perennial herbaceous plant that is part of the sedge family. It is native to a variety of wetland habitats including peat bogs, fens, wet meadows, and marshes across North and Central America, as well as parts of Eurasia. Star sedge typically grows to a height of 10-100 cm (4-39 inches), with solid, triangular, and ridged stems. The leaves are narrow and grass-like, mostly clustered at the base of the plant. The inflorescences are distinctive, star-shaped spikelets that appear in late spring to early summer, adding a unique texture to the landscape but are not particularly showy in terms of color.

Star sedge is valued for its ability to thrive in wet conditions and is often used in rain gardens, wetland restoration projects, and as a component in naturalized plantings. It is relatively low maintenance, requiring consistently moist to wet soil conditions and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to part shade. Carex echinata is not known for any significant disease or pest problems, making it a reliable choice for challenging wet sites. However, it is not suitable for dry areas and can spread in ideal conditions, potentially becoming aggressive in some settings.CC BY-SA 4.0