Species Longbeak Sedge
lime-yellow spikelets with light-green leaves and stems

Longbeak Sedge

Carex sprengelii

Also Known As - Sprengel's Sedge
Longbeak Sedge (Carex sprengelii) is an attractive perennial sedge found in moist meadows, bogs, and wetlands. It grows in clumps of stiff, erect stems up to 16 inches tall, sometimes with an arching growth habit. The long, narrow leaves are gray-green in color and appear two-ranked from the base up the stem. Its bright yellow-brown flowers appear in late spring and are followed by spiky-looking fruits. Longbeak sedge provides forage and cover for many types of birds and other wildlife. It is an excellent choice for use in rain gardens or as an informal groundcover in moist, shade-loving areas.

Watering:

Frequent

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

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Longbeak Sedge prefers moist soil conditions, so moisture is key to keeping it healthy. It is best to water before the soil dries out, and when the leaves start to droop. Generally, this species of plant should be watered on average once per week. However, if temperatures are high and there are periods of prolonged sunlight, it may need to be watered once every 3 days. To know for sure, stick your finger into the soil, and if it feels dry to a depth of 1 inch or greater, it is time to water. A layer of organic mulch will also help retain water and improve the overall health of the plant.

sunlight

Longbeak Sedge (Carex sprengelii) typically prefers partial shade to full sun. It should receive 3 to 4 hours of direct sunlight each day in order to thrive, preferably in the morning or early afternoon. Insufficient sunlight may cause the plant to become weakened and more susceptible to infestations or disease. It is also important to give the plant enough time for its roots to become established before exposing it to too much direct sunlight.

pruning

When to Prune: Longbeak Sedge can be pruned in late summer or early fall if necessary. How Much to Prune: To maintain the grass-like appearance of this sedge, remove any dead foliage or flower heads in late summer/early fall. If it needs to be significantly pruned, only remove up to 1-third of the overall foliage or flower heads.