Carex crinita
Fringed Sedge
General
A perennial sedge native to North America. It typically grows in moist to wet habitats such as marshes, swamps, and stream banks, characterized by its tall, graceful stems and clusters of delicate, fringed flower spikes. Forms colonies via creeping rhizomes.
Plant Description
Features tall, slender stems that can reach up to three feet in height, topped with airy clusters of greenish-white flower spikes. Its long, arching leaves are dark green and finely textured, forming dense clumps that provide a lush, feathery appearance in wetland environments. This sedge's subtle beauty and adaptability make it a favored choice for naturalizing and enhancing riparian landscapes across its native range.
Height (ft)
3-4'
Soil moisture
Wet, Moist
Soil types
Variable texture, not very coarse soils; muddy soils
Wetland indicator
OBL
Shade tolerance
Tolerant, Full Sun to Full Shade
Bloom color
Green, Brown
Bloom period
Spring
Drought tolerance
Low
Salinity tolerance
None
Range
Eastern United States of the Mississippi river, and some populations just to the west of the Mississippi river.
Kartesz, J.T. 2024. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP) [website http://bonap.org/]