Prickly Sedge (Carex spicata)
Carex spicata, commonly known as Prickly Sedge, is a native perennial sedge found in moist woodlands, wetlands, and along streambanks throughout Illinois. It thrives in moderately moist, well-drained soils and prefers partial to full shade.
This plant features slender, grass-like leaves and produces elongated, spike-like clusters of small, greenish-brown flower spikes that appear in late spring to early summer. The flowers are followed by seed heads that provide food for birds and other wildlife. Its dense growth helps stabilize soil, making it beneficial for erosion control in moist, shaded environments.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Carex spicata is an excellent choice for woodland gardens, naturalized landscapes, and wetland restorations, offering ecological benefits, texture, and low-maintenance coverage in shaded areas.
Carex spicata, commonly known as Prickly Sedge, is a native perennial sedge found in moist woodlands, wetlands, and along streambanks throughout Illinois. It thrives in moderately moist, well-drained soils and prefers partial to full shade.
This plant features slender, grass-like leaves and produces elongated, spike-like clusters of small, greenish-brown flower spikes that appear in late spring to early summer. The flowers are followed by seed heads that provide food for birds and other wildlife. Its dense growth helps stabilize soil, making it beneficial for erosion control in moist, shaded environments.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Carex spicata is an excellent choice for woodland gardens, naturalized landscapes, and wetland restorations, offering ecological benefits, texture, and low-maintenance coverage in shaded areas.
Carex spicata, commonly known as Prickly Sedge, is a native perennial sedge found in moist woodlands, wetlands, and along streambanks throughout Illinois. It thrives in moderately moist, well-drained soils and prefers partial to full shade.
This plant features slender, grass-like leaves and produces elongated, spike-like clusters of small, greenish-brown flower spikes that appear in late spring to early summer. The flowers are followed by seed heads that provide food for birds and other wildlife. Its dense growth helps stabilize soil, making it beneficial for erosion control in moist, shaded environments.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Carex spicata is an excellent choice for woodland gardens, naturalized landscapes, and wetland restorations, offering ecological benefits, texture, and low-maintenance coverage in shaded areas.
Bloom: late spring to early summer
Habitats: areas along ponds; ditches; moist depressions in upland woodlands; moist to wet bottomland woodlands; seeps and springs; swamps; wet prairies
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: slightly wet to moist
Plant type (height): sedge (1.5 to 3 feet)
Requirements: full sun to light shade
Soil: variety of soils including a heavy clay-loam