Beaked Sedge

(Carex rostrata)

Beaked Sedge (Carex rostrata)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Carex rostrata, commonly known as Beaked Sedge, is a perennial sedge that exhibits evergreen or semi-deciduous characteristics depending on the climate. It is native to a variety of wetland habitats including bogs, fens, marshes, and wet meadows across the subarctic to temperate Northern Hemisphere, particularly in North America, Europe, and Asia. This sedge typically reaches a height of 0.5-3 feet (0.2-0.9 meters) and can spread to about 3 feet (0.9 meters) wide, forming dense clumps. Beaked Sedge is characterized by its grass-like appearance with upright, arching, bright green leaves and inconspicuous 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.

Beaked Sedge is valued for its ability to thrive in wet conditions and is often used in rain gardens, water features, and as a ground cover in damp areas of the landscape. It is also beneficial for erosion control and provides habitat for wildlife. In cultivation, it requires consistently moist to wet soil conditions and can grow in full sun to full shade, making it versatile for various garden settings. While it prefers medium drainage, it can tolerate standing water. Beaked Sedge is relatively low-maintenance, but gardeners should be aware of its spreading nature, which can be aggressive in ideal conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Grass
  • Height: 0.5-3 feet
  • Width: 1-3 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

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

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

Native to bogs, fens, marshes, and wet meadows

Other Names

Common Names: Bottlebrush Sedge , Narrow-Leaved Beaked Sedge , Northern Yellow Lake Sedge , Rostrate Sedge , Swollen Beaked Sedge , Næb-Star , Schnabel-Segge , Pullosara , Carex Rostré , Laiche À Utricules Contractés En Bec

Scientific Names: Carex rostrata , Carex ampullacea , Carex rostrata f. rostrata , Carex ampullacea var. maxima , Carex inflata , Carex obtusangula , Carex rostrata f. sparangiformis , Carex xstenolepis , Trasus ampullaceus

GBIF Accepted Name: Carex rostrata Stokes