Species Round-Spike Brownish Sedge

Round-Spike Brownish Sedge

Carex brunnescens subsp. sphaerostachya

Round-Spike Brownish Sedge (Carex brunnescens subsp. sphaerostachya) is an interesting and attractive species native to moist open to semi-shade habitats in temperate and boreal North America. Growing up to twice the height of many other sedges, its bright green, glossy leaf blades produce tawny-brown to chocolate-colored flower spikes in the summer and autumn. The densely packed spikes give the plant its common name, and it is especially noticeable when backlit. It is highly tolerant of exposure and grows best in soils that are slightly damp and well-drained. An understory plant, it provides excellent cover and habitat for wildlife.

Watering:

Minimal

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Stolon

Hardiness Zone:

Flowers:

Flowers

Sun:

Sun

Soil:

Sand

Fruits:

brown,black Fruits Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Round-Spike Brownish Sedge needs regular watering in order to remain healthy and beautiful. However, it does not need frequent watering. You should water your Round-Spike Brownish Sedge once every 1 to 2 weeks in the Early Spring (March and April), more often in the Middle Spring (May and June), and about once every 1 to 2 weeks throughout the Summer (July – September). In the Fall (October and November), you should reduce the watering frequency to a couple times per month. When watering your plants, be sure to use tepid water and avoid getting the foliage wet as much as possible. If you live in a very dry climate, you may need to water your Round-Spike Brownish Sedge more frequently.

sunlight

Round-Spike Brownish Sedge (Carex brunnescens subsp. sphaerostachya) enjoys a minimum of 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day. It prefers full sun in the morning with partial shade protection in the afternoon, although it can tolerate some shade throughout the day as well. Due to its preference for full sun, it does best in locations where there is ample access to natural sunlight. During the summer months, it should be given full sun exposure from 10am-5pm, and during the winter months this should be adjusted to 8am-4pm.

pruning

Pruning of Round-Spike Brownish Sedge (Carex brunnescens subsp. sphaerostachya) should be done before the plant reaches a height of 12 inches, or towards the end of spring. Pruning should be limited to removing dead or decaying foliage and shearing off excess growth to maintain the desired size and shape. Remove dead stems and tattered foliage down to the base of the plant to help promote healthy growth. To maintain a compact form, cut back to 1-2 inches in spring with hand pruners.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Round-Spike Brownish Sedge typically starts flowering in May.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Carex brunnescens subsp. sphaerostachya typically begins in June and continues through August.