Crested Sedge
Carex cristatella
Cyperaceae
A remarkably pretty, dainty-looking sedge of moist areas and wetlands. Produces unremarkable little green-yellow flowering spikes in May-June which turn to interesting groups of seeds which look somewhat like little clusters of spiky balls and persist into the fall. Leaves are slender and arch gracefully from a central cluster along a leafy stem. Tolerates poorly-drained soil and clay, but tends to prefer consistent moisture, especially when grown in full sun conditions-can even be grown in very shallow standing water (less than 1"). As with all sedges, supports a startling variety of native wildlife, from skipper larvae to moths to various types of grasshoppers, plant hoppers, and butterflies, to small native mammals, and a number of wetland birds including ducks and seed-eating songbirds (to name a few). According to dung remains found from the ice age, this species was probably once food for native mammoths, which, although not practically useful while planning a modern garden, is fascinating and gives a thorough sense of the ecological importance of wetland sedges such as this one. Spreads slowly by rhizomes to form clumps. An excellent little sedge for wet areas!
1-3' tall
Plant Hardiness Zones: 2b-7b
Perennial
Deer Resistant
Native Range: NH south through NC, west to KS and north to ND. Also present in AL. Native to Canada in SK, MB, ON, QC. Rare in NH, DE, MD, VA, AL, and KS. Considered extirpated in NC.
Germination - Easy: Cold Stratify 8 weeks
Crested Sedge 3.5 inch pot $13.50 (Temporarily Sold Out*)
*We normally carry this item but are temporarily sold out. We expect to have it available again as soon as our plants in production reach sufficient size/maturity or we harvest more seed. In some cases, plants may be recovering from caterpillar damage (Monarchs love our Milkweed), wind or hail damage, rampaging woodchucks, downed trees, or other natural issues. We are constantly updating our web site so please check back again.
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