Species Burr Reed Sedge
lime spikelets with green foliage

Burr Reed Sedge

Carex sparganioides

Also Known As - Bur Reed Sedge
Burr Reed Sedge (Carex sparganioides) is a grass-like, perennial plant that is found in wet meadows, bogs, and fens. It has small, reddish-brown flower spikes that appear in the early summer. The foliage of this plant is a bright green with long, narrow leaves. Burr Reed Sedge is an excellent choice for wet, low-maintenance gardens or as an edge plant for the pond or lake. It offers a welcome presence with its durable, yet delicate looks. Plus, this plant can be spread through runners that form either above or below the ground to help it distribute itself naturally. Keep low in height, Burr Reed Sedge can reach up to 8 inches tall and is truly a beautiful addition to any landscape.

Watering:

Minimal

Propagation:

Division,Seed Propagation,Cutting,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Burr Reed Sedge needs to be watered moderately throughout the growing season. Water as soon as the top few inches of soil start to feel dry. Water every 5-7 days, and provide enough water to thoroughly wet the soil but not drench it. During the summer, the plant may need more frequent watering. During the winter, reduce the amount of water, but the soil should never dry out completely.

sunlight

Burr Reed Sedge requires a high amount of sunlight to thrive. This plant species prefers full sun exposure for 8 or more hours each day. It will also tolerate partial sun if it receives dappled shade or indirect light for most of the day. This is a cool season grass-like sedge that is best grown in well-drained soils with a pH of 6.0-7.0. It can tolerate a wide range of soils, from sandy loam to clay loam, but it will not tolerate standing water. It prefers moderate moisture but can survive occasional drought-like conditions. choose a location where Burr Reed Sedge will receive sunlight for most of the day to ensure optimal growth.

pruning

Burr Reed Sedge should be pruned annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. To keep the plant looking its best, it is important to remove any dead, diseased or damaged foliage with sterile shears. You should also thin out or cut back the outer foliage to keep the center of the plant more open and airy, and remove any large stems or stalks that have grown too tall. This will also help keep the plant more uniform in appearance and encourage new growth. As with all plants, you should take care to sterilize your shears between pruning different areas in order to avoid transmitting diseases from 1 plant to another.