Species Dioecious Sedge
lime-brown spikelets with green-brown foliage

Dioecious Sedge

Carex sterilis

Also Known As - Sterile Sedge
Dioecious Sedge (Carex sterilis) is an aquatic rhizomatous perennial evergreen grass-like sedge native to wet areas of North America. It has sharply triangular or linear 3-angled stems with a sheath at each node. It is dioecious, meaning it has separate male and female plants, and produces inconspicuous male and female flowers on separate plants. The leaves are bright green, and the female plants produce erect drooping seed heads. It is a great choice for wetland sites, shallow water, or boggy areas, providing cover and nutrition to aquatic animals like frogs, salamanders, and insects. Dioecious Sedge is an easy-to-care-for plant and provides eco-friendly benefits to its environment.

Watering:

Minimal

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Rhizome Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,yellow

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Dioecious Sedge (Carex sterilis) requires moist soil to thrive and requires frequent watering during growth periods. In warm, sunny climates, water the plant every 7-10 days, as sunlight will cause the soil to dry out more quickly. In cooler climates, water every 10-14 days during the growth period. During the winter, water once a month to ensure the plant stays hydrated. When watering, provide enough water so that the soil is saturated and draining well. Be careful not to over-water as this may result in root rot. Always check the soil before watering to ensure it is dry. Additionally, mulch around the plant to help retain moisture and control weeds.

sunlight

Dioecious Sedge (Carex sterilis) is a plant species that prefers growing in full sunlight and moist, well-drained soils. In order to thrive, this species requires at least 6 hours of direct sun every day during the growing season (spring through late summer). It is best to provide morning sun and afternoon shade if possible during the peak summer months to prevent foliage burn. Prolonged full exposure to the sun during the peak summer months should be avoided to ensure the plant is not overly stressed and can handle the more challenging periods of drought and heat. In Northern Hemisphere climates, the ideal setup for Dioecious Sedge would be east-facing or north-facing, with some shade available in the afternoon for those hot, summer months.

pruning

Dioecious Sedge (Carex sterilis) should be pruned twice a year in order to promote healthy growth. Pruning should take place in late winter and early summer. Pruning should be light so as not to damage the crown of the plant, as this will hinder the overall growth of the plant. When pruning, ensure that all dead, damaged, and over-crowded stems are removed. After pruning, generously mulch the area to protect the soil from drying out.