Rigid Sedge

(Carex tetanica)

Rigid Sedge (Carex tetanica)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Carex tetanica, commonly known as Rigid Sedge, is a deciduous perennial grass native to wet meadows, marshes, and the edges of ponds and streams in the Eastern and Central United States and Canada. It typically grows to a height of 0.3-1 feet (0.09-0.3 meters) and a width of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters). This sedge forms dense clumps of narrow, stiff leaves that are dark green in color. The inconspicuous greenish-brown flowers appear in late spring to early summer and are not particularly showy, but they do add a subtle texture to the plant’s overall appearance.

Rigid Sedge is valued for its ability to thrive in wet conditions and is often used in rain gardens, wetland restoration projects, and as a ground cover in moist garden areas. It is also beneficial for erosion control along waterways. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to part shade and can tolerate a range of water conditions, from low to medium. It is adaptable to various soil types, provided they have good moisture retention. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to leaf spot diseases in overly wet conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Grass
  • Height: 0.3-1 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: Medium
  • Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Deer Resistant, Low Maintenance

Natural Habitat

Wet meadows, marshes, and pond/stream edges

Other Names

Common Names: Mead’s Sedge

Scientific Names: , Carex tetanica, Carex meadii, Carex tetanica var. canbyi, Carex alveata, Carex multinervis, Carex tetanica f. canbyi, Carex tetanica var. carterae, Carex tetanica var. carteri, Carex tetanica var. tetanica

GBIF Accepted Name: Carex tetanica Schkuhr