Carex scoparia
Pointed Broom Sedge
General
A wetland sedge often found in swamps, and moist or dry open ground. The seed heads resemble a broomstick, hence the common name. Carex scoparia grows in bunches and will tolerate a variety of soil textures. Not to be confused with Andropogon virginicus, which also has the common name "broom sedge".
Plant Description
Grows in dense tufts. Stems are 3-angled and usually longer than the leaves. Leaves are narrow (1-3 mm wide). The seed heads are at the ends of the stems and are shaped like a pointed witch’s broom.
Height (ft)
1-2.5'
Soil moisture
Wet
Soil types
Coarse to fine textured mineral and organic soils
Wetland indicator
FACW
Shade tolerance
Tolerant
Bloom color
Green
Bloom period
Late Spring
Drought tolerance
None
Salinity tolerance
Low
Range
Throughout the continental United States, excluding Florida, Texas, and Nevada.
Kartesz, J.T. 2024. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP) [website http://bonap.org/]