Smooth Sawgrass (Cladium mariscoides)
Cladium mariscoides, commonly known as Smooth Sawgrass, is a native perennial sedge found in wetlands, marshes, and along the edges of ponds and streams in Illinois. It thrives in moist, acidic soils and prefers full sun to partial shade.
This sedge has long, narrow, grass-like leaves that grow in dense tufts, with the flowering stems reaching heights of 2 to 4 feet. In late summer to early fall, it produces distinctive, reddish-brown, cylindrical flower heads that stand out above the foliage. The flowers are not particularly showy but provide food for wildlife, including birds. Cladium mariscoides is a wetland plant that grows in clumps, creating dense stands that can help stabilize soil and control erosion.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Cladium mariscoides is a great choice for wetland restorations, rain gardens, or naturalized landscapes with moist, acidic soils. It is well-suited for use along ponds, streams, or in boggy areas, where its fibrous root system helps prevent erosion. The plant provides ecological benefits, offering shelter and food for birds and other wildlife. Its upright form and striking flower heads also add seasonal visual interest to wetland areas.
Cladium mariscoides, commonly known as Smooth Sawgrass, is a native perennial sedge found in wetlands, marshes, and along the edges of ponds and streams in Illinois. It thrives in moist, acidic soils and prefers full sun to partial shade.
This sedge has long, narrow, grass-like leaves that grow in dense tufts, with the flowering stems reaching heights of 2 to 4 feet. In late summer to early fall, it produces distinctive, reddish-brown, cylindrical flower heads that stand out above the foliage. The flowers are not particularly showy but provide food for wildlife, including birds. Cladium mariscoides is a wetland plant that grows in clumps, creating dense stands that can help stabilize soil and control erosion.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Cladium mariscoides is a great choice for wetland restorations, rain gardens, or naturalized landscapes with moist, acidic soils. It is well-suited for use along ponds, streams, or in boggy areas, where its fibrous root system helps prevent erosion. The plant provides ecological benefits, offering shelter and food for birds and other wildlife. Its upright form and striking flower heads also add seasonal visual interest to wetland areas.
Cladium mariscoides, commonly known as Smooth Sawgrass, is a native perennial sedge found in wetlands, marshes, and along the edges of ponds and streams in Illinois. It thrives in moist, acidic soils and prefers full sun to partial shade.
This sedge has long, narrow, grass-like leaves that grow in dense tufts, with the flowering stems reaching heights of 2 to 4 feet. In late summer to early fall, it produces distinctive, reddish-brown, cylindrical flower heads that stand out above the foliage. The flowers are not particularly showy but provide food for wildlife, including birds. Cladium mariscoides is a wetland plant that grows in clumps, creating dense stands that can help stabilize soil and control erosion.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Cladium mariscoides is a great choice for wetland restorations, rain gardens, or naturalized landscapes with moist, acidic soils. It is well-suited for use along ponds, streams, or in boggy areas, where its fibrous root system helps prevent erosion. The plant provides ecological benefits, offering shelter and food for birds and other wildlife. Its upright form and striking flower heads also add seasonal visual interest to wetland areas.
Bloom: summer
Habitats: bogs; fens; peatlands; shores
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: wet
Plant type (height): grass (12 to 40 inches)
Requirements: full sun
Soil: peaty; sandy