Swan’s Sedge
(Carex swanii)
Swan’s Sedge (Carex swanii)
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Randy A Nonenmacher
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Randy A Nonenmacher
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Randy A Nonenmacher | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Randy A Nonenmacher | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2019-08-01T18:55:36-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Carex swanii, commonly known as Swan’s Sedge, is a deciduous perennial sedge native to wet meadows, marsh edges, and riparian zones in the Eastern United States and Ontario. It typically grows to a height of 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters) and a width of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters). Swan’s Sedge features grass-like leaves and inconspicuous greenish-brown flower spikes that appear in late spring to early summer. While the flowers are not showy, they add a fine-textured element to the garden. The plant forms dense clumps and can be used to stabilize soil in wet areas.
Swan’s Sedge is valued for its adaptability to wet conditions and is often used in rain gardens, naturalized areas, and as a ground cover in moist, shady sites. It is relatively low maintenance and can tolerate a range of soil types, though it prefers consistently moist to wet soils. In terms of light requirements, it is versatile, thriving in full sun to part shade. Gardeners should be aware that in ideal conditions, it can spread vigorously, potentially becoming aggressive.CC BY-SA 4.0
Swan’s Sedge is valued for its adaptability to wet conditions and is often used in rain gardens, naturalized areas, and as a ground cover in moist, shady sites. It is relatively low maintenance and can tolerate a range of soil types, though it prefers consistently moist to wet soils. In terms of light requirements, it is versatile, thriving in full sun to part shade. Gardeners should be aware that in ideal conditions, it can spread vigorously, potentially becoming aggressive.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Grass, Grass
- Height: 1-3 feet
- Width: 1-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium, High
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Deer Resistant, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Wet meadows, marsh edges, and riparian zones in the Eastern United States and Ontario
Other Names
Common Names: Swan Sedge, Downy Green Sedge, Carex De Swan
Scientific Names: , Carex swanii, Carex virescens var. swanii,
GBIF Accepted Name: Carex swanii (Fernald) Mack.