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:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Seed Propagation,Cutting,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Flowers:

Green/Brown Flowers

Sun:

full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Beaked Sedge should be watered about 1-2 inches per week. Watering frequency will depend on the temperature and soil type; during hot or dry spells, it might be necessary to water more often. Soil should be kept evenly and consistently moist, but not saturated. In general, water in the morning and spread it evenly over the root zone. If applicable, apply a shallow layer of mulch to help conserve soil moisture. Over-watering can lead to problems such as root rot or foliar fungus; avoid wetting the foliage if possible.

sunlight

Beaked Sedge needs full sun for at least 6-8 hours a day to thrive. It prefers moist, shady areas near streams, wetlands, and roadsides, but can also tolerate low- to moderate-level sunlight. In full sun, Beaked Sedge grows quickly and can reach heights of 2 to 3 feet if provided with plenty of water and adequate nutrients.

pruning

Beaked Sedge (Carex rostrata) should be pruned lightly in late winter when the plant is dormant. Pruning Beaked Sedge is not necessary, but it can enhance the overall health and appearance of your plant. You can prune back the tips of the stems by 1/3 to 1/2 of their original length. This will encourage bushy growth, and reduce the amount of flopping over in the stems. It will also encourage new growth and fuller looking plants. It is important to make sure not to overly prune the plants, as too much pruning can reduce flowering and reduce the overall health of the plant.

Season

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

Beaked Sedge typically starts flowering in May.