Carex sparganioides - Bur-reed Sedge

Bur-reed sedge looks equally good in a container or in the landscape. The large reddish-brown hedge-hog-like flowers are enhanced by the bright green foliage. Ample water will bring out the best in this sedge and it feels at home in the rock garden.

Many sedges need wet feet to do well, however Bur-reed sedge is quite drought tolerant once established.

Good for soil stabilization on shaded slopes.

Description: cool season; clump forming
Foliage - dark green; wide; 50-60 cm (20-24") tall
Flowers - May - July; 60 cm (24")

Ideal conditions: full sun to bright shade; ample water in hot dry climates; average well-drained soil should be fine

Coldest zone: 4-9 (find your zone; further info on plant hardiness)

Partner with: Carex davailliana, Carex 'Beatlemania', Deschampsia 'Goldtau', Chasmanthium, Poa chiaxii

Season of interest: May to mid-summer

Drought tolerance rating: 4 (water to root depth when soil starts to become dry); further info

Recommended spacing between plants: 30-50 cm (12-20") why such a difference?

Native to: central and eastern North America

Pronunciation: Carex (KAIR-ex) sparganioides (spar-gan-ee-oy-dees)

Sizes available: 4" pot sized field clumps; gallon size field clumps

   

More ornamental grasses

Compare Carex sparganioides to our other grasses in this handy chart.