Frank’s Sedge
(Carex frankii)
Frank’s Sedge (Carex frankii)
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Michael Ellis
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Michael Ellis
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Michael Ellis | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Michael Ellis | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-06-06T20:42:41Z |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Carex frankii, commonly known as Frank’s Sedge, is a perennial sedge that is typically evergreen in warmer climates and semi-deciduous where winters are colder. It is native to wet meadows, marshes, and stream banks in the Eastern and Central United States, extending into Mexico and Ontario. This sedge reaches a height of 2 feet (0.6 meters) and a width of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters), with a clumping growth habit. The plant features green, grass-like leaves and inconspicuous greenish-brown flower spikes that appear in late spring to early summer. While the flowers are not showy, they provide an interesting texture in the landscape.
Frank’s Sedge is valued for its ability to thrive in wet conditions, making it an excellent choice for rain gardens and areas with poor drainage. It is also useful for erosion control along waterways. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to part shade and requires consistently moist to wet soils, tolerating occasional flooding. It is relatively low-maintenance, but may spread if conditions are ideal. Gardeners should be aware that in some conditions, it can become aggressive. It is not commonly afflicted by serious pests or diseases.CC BY-SA 4.0
Frank’s Sedge is valued for its ability to thrive in wet conditions, making it an excellent choice for rain gardens and areas with poor drainage. It is also useful for erosion control along waterways. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to part shade and requires consistently moist to wet soils, tolerating occasional flooding. It is relatively low-maintenance, but may spread if conditions are ideal. Gardeners should be aware that in some conditions, it can become aggressive. It is not commonly afflicted by serious pests or diseases.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Grass
- Height: 1-2 feet
- Width: 1-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: High
- Drainage: Medium, Slow
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Erosion Control, Low Maintenance, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Wet meadows, marshes, and stream banks
Other Names
Common Names: Bristly Cattail Sedge, Carex De Frank
Scientific Names: , Carex frankii, Carex stenolepis, Carex stenolepis f. gracilior,
GBIF Accepted Name: Carex frankii Kunth