Species Salt Marsh Sedge
brown-lime spikelets with green-yellow foliage

Salt Marsh Sedge

Carex recta

Also Known As - Estuary Sedge
Salt Marsh Sedge (Carex recta) is a species of grass-like tufted perennial plants found commonly in marshy and coastal areas. It grows in a variety of habitats, such as sandy or muddy shores, salt flats, and marshes. Its slender stems support thin triangular blades that are deep green, often shaded purple. Supple floral spikes are displayed in shades of brown and pink. Salt Marsh Sedge spreads through rhizomes, forming dense masses. It is tolerant of salt, wind, and drought, and provides important shelter for shoreline birds such as oystercatchers and terns.

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Division,Seed Propagation,Cutting,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

Sun

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

High

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

watering

Salt Marsh Sedge prefers wet, boggy soil, so water this plant regularly. Generally, it should receive a deep watering about twice a week in dry periods. Make sure the soil does not dry out completely. Let the top inch or 2 of soil dry out before giving it another deep watering. Avoid direct, hot summer sun for this plant, as it likes partial sun and can even handle full shade.

sunlight

Salt Marsh Sedge (Carex recta) prefers full sun, and should be grown in areas that receive 4 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. If grown in partially shaded areas, it should be in areas that receive partial shade in the mornings and full sun in the afternoons. During the summer and spring months, the plant should be exposed to an average of 5 to 6 hours of direct sunlight, between the hours of 10am to 4pm. During the winter, the plant should receive no more than 4 hours of direct sunlight on most days, with the ideal time being between the hours of 11am to 3pm.

pruning

Salt Marsh Sedge (Carex recta) should be pruned once a year, in late winter or early spring. Pruning should be gentle and only enough to maintain the shape of the plant. It should not be drastic, as this type of sedge is slow-growing and can easily become stunted or damaged by too much pruning. Generally, only the flowering stems, which are long and have prominent flowering heads at their tips, should be cut. The remaining stems should be left intact, as they help to maintain the balance of the entire plant. Pruning back the top of the plant also helps to encourage new shoots and plant growth.