Carex torta, commonly known as Twisted Sedge, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to wetland habitats such as stream and river banks, marshes, and wet meadows in eastern Canada and the central and eastern United States. It often occupies gravelly and rocky areas, especially those that have been recently scoured by water. Twisted Sedge typically forms dense clumps or tufts and reaches heights of 10-60 cm. Its narrow, grass-like leaves twist or curl, giving the plant its common name. The greenish-brown flower spikes appear in late spring to early summer and are not particularly showy, but they do add a subtle texture to the plant’s appearance.

Twisted Sedge is valued for its ability to stabilize soil and prevent erosion in wet, disturbed sites. It is often used in riparian restoration projects and can be planted along pond edges, in rain gardens, or in naturalized areas where its robust root system can help to hold soil in place. In cultivation, it requires consistently moist to wet soil and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to part shade. While generally low-maintenance, it can spread vigorously in ideal conditions and may need to be managed to prevent unwanted spread. Twisted Sedge is also used in ornamental water gardens for its textural interest and adaptability to wet conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0