Species Beaked Sedge
yellow-brown spikelets with green foliage and stems

Beaked Sedge

Carex rostrata

Also Known As - Swollen Beaked Sedge
Beaked Sedge (Carex rostrata) is an herbaceous perennial plant and is a member of the Cyperaceae family. It is native to eastern North America, from Newfoundland and Labrador to Florida and Texas, as well as areas in Arizona and New Mexico. This species grows in moist to wet habitats such as shores of lakes, bogs, marshes, swamps, and ditches. It has green, flat, wide leaves and a rhizome root system. The flowerhead is a spike with reddish-brown scales. The fruits are dark brown and slightly three-sided, resembling the beak of a duck, hence the common name. Beaked Sedge is an important species for conservation and can be used for erosion control if planted in areas around lakes, rivers, and streams.

Watering:

Minimal

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,yellow

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Low

watering

Sedge (Carex recta x) should be watered once a week with approximately 1-2 inches of water. It is important to water the plant consistently and deeply to encourage deep root growth. During the hotter months, watering may need to increase slightly to make sure the root system is getting enough moisture.

sunlight

Sedge (Carex recta x) plants need plenty of sunlight to thrive. For optimum health and growth, the best amount of sunlight for this species is 6 to 8 hours a day. The best time of day to provide sunlight is during the day’s brightest hours, when the sun is at its highest point in the sky, which is usually between 10am and 2pm. Too little sunlight can stunt the plant’s growth, whereas too much sunlight can cause scorching or burning of the leaf tips.

pruning

Pruning of the Sedge (Carex recta x) can be done in the late spring or early summer. The amount of pruning required depends on the desired height. If the plant is allowed to grow taller than 12 inches, then it should be cut back severely leaving only a few inches of the plant still visible above the soil. This will encourage the plant to grow back fuller and bushier. The surrounding leaves should be left in place, as they help protect the main stems from harsh weather and provide protection from diseases. Avoid pruning beyond halfway through the growing season to reduce the impact of shock from the pruning.

Season

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

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