Species Bristly Stalk Sedge
light-green spikelets with green stems and foliage

Bristly Stalk Sedge

Carex leptalea

The Bristly Stalk Sedge (Carex leptalea) is a slender grasslike plant found in damp, acidic meadows and woodland edges. It is distinguished by its smooth, flattened stems, slender, erect inflorescences which stand 1-2 feet above the growing medium, and sharply-toothed, bristly-looking leaves. Its fluffy, golden-brown spikelets provide an interesting contrast to nearby foliage. This plant prefers full sun to partial shade, and thrives in moist but well-draining soil. It is a great addition to any wildlife or wildflower garden, offering an interesting texture and structure with its long, grassy form.

Watering:

Minimal

Hardiness Zone:

Flowers:

Flowers

Sun:

Sun, Partial Shade

Soil:

Sand

Fruits:

brown,tan Fruits Ready In

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Shore Sedge should ideally be watered once a week, with about an inch of water each time. During the summer months, it should receive double that, 2 inches of water per week. Shore Sedge prefers evenly moist soil, but not soggy. Water it deeply once a week, preferably in the morning. An irrigation system or soaker hose is a great way to keep the soil of Shore Sedge evenly moist. Avoid watering during the hottest parts of the day, as this can easily lead to over-saturation. Check the soil periodically to ensure you are providing the right amount of water. Additionally, you should provide mulch to retain moisture and keep the soil cooler. As with all plants, pay attention to their growth habit to determine the needs of your Shore Sedge, including changes to watering schedules.

sunlight

Shore sedge (Carex lenticularis) does best in moderately moist to wet soils and is typically found in areas with full sunlight or partial sun/shade. Plant growth is favored by full sun exposure, particularly in summer when flowering occurs. In areas with intense sunlight, some light shade during the hottest periods of the day can help protect the plants from too much heat and drought stress. During the growing season, shore sedge should receive 6-8 hours of sun each day. In winter, 3-4 hours of sun daily is sufficient. While the exact amount of sunlight depends on the environmental conditions and the particular strain of plant, shore sedge generally requires bright sun for optimal growth and blooming.

pruning

Shore Sedge (Carex lenticularis) should be pruned once annually in late winter or very early spring, before the new growth begins. Pruning should remove the majority of the non-flowering stems, but it is important to leave a few of the oldest and strongest stems intact so the plant does not become overly weakened. It is also important to avoid pruning too heavily as this could result in loss of vigor and damage the plant's health. A light trim is all that's necessary.

Season

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

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