Eastern Straw Sedge

(Carex straminea)

Eastern Straw Sedge (Carex straminea)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Carex straminea, commonly known as Eastern Straw Sedge, is a perennial herbaceous plant that is native to wet meadows, marshes, and stream banks in North America, particularly in the eastern United States. It typically grows to a height of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters) with a similar spread. Eastern Straw Sedge has a clumping form with straw-colored seed heads that appear in late spring to early summer. The foliage is narrow and grass-like, providing a fine-textured element in garden designs.

Eastern Straw Sedge is valued for its adaptability to wet conditions and is often used in rain gardens, wetland restoration, and as a naturalizing plant in moist garden areas. It is also appreciated for its low maintenance requirements and its ability to provide habitat for wildlife. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to part shade and thrives in wet, poorly drained soils. While it is not known for significant pest or disease issues, it can spread in ideal conditions and may require management to keep it within bounds.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Grass
  • Height: 2-3 feet
  • Width: 1-1.5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

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

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bird Garden, Erosion Control, Low Maintenance, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Wet meadows, marshes, and stream banks in North America, particularly in the eastern United States

Other Names

Common Names: Pale Sedge, Straw Colored Sedge

Scientific Names: , Carex straminea, Carex cristata var. mirabilis, Carex festucacea var. tenera, Carex hormathodes var. richii, Carex richii, Carex scoparia var. fulva, Carex straminea f. multa, Carex straminea f. perlonga, Carex straminea f. richii

GBIF Accepted Name: