Species Three Seed Sedge
white-brown flowers with green leaves and stems

Three Seed Sedge

Carex trisperma

Also Known As - Three Fruited Sedge
Three Seed Sedge (Carex trisperma) is a dioecious, perennial wetland grass. It forms small clumps, reaching up to 2.5 feet in height and has a light green color. Its leaves are flat and narrow, and the flower heads are held in spikes above the foliage. The plant produces three seeds per seed head, from which its name derives. This species is widely distributed throughout the United States and is commonly used as a lawn or garden landscape plant. Its tolerance for occasional flooding and shade makes it a perfect option for wetland gardens. Three Seed Sedge is also a great choice for erosion control, can provide food and cover for wildlife, and is a beneficial food source for waterfowl.

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Rhizome Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Flowers:

Flowers

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Fruits:

brown Fruits Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

watering

Water Three Seed Sedge sparingly. Water only when the soil begins to feel dry at approximately 1 inch deep. The frequency of watering will depend on your local climate and weather conditions - while most species of sedge prefer moist soil conditions, Three Seed Sedge is tolerant of drier soils. Water in the early morning so the foliage and flowers have time to dry, reducing the risk for disease. If possible, water the soil rather than the plants directly to avoid rot and fungal growth.

sunlight

Three Seed Sedge (Carex trisperma) is a plant species that generally prefers partial to full sunlight. When grown outdoors, it will require at least 4–6 hours of sunlight each day. In terms of the amount of sunlight, this species is very tolerant and can cope with very bright, direct sunlight. Conversely, it can also thrive in partial or dappled shade. As with other plants, too much direct sunlight can burn the foliage, so it’s important to monitor its exposure to direct sunlight and adjust accordingly. If you are growing Three Seed Sedge indoors, try to find a bright spot with some protection from direct sunlight, such as near a window that receives dappled light for most of the day.

pruning

Three Seed Sedge should be pruned twice a year, in the spring and fall. Pruning in the spring, shortly after the last frost, will result in a more dense, healthy growth pattern. In fall, pruning should be done to provide room for new growth in the following year. When pruning, it is important to remove any dead, diseased or overcrowded stems. Care should be taken to avoid cutting back too far, as this may result in damage to the plant. Pruning should also be done on a regular basis, as this prevents the plant from becoming top-heavy or unbalanced. Pruning should only be done to remove no more than 1-third of the plant's foliage.

Season

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

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Carex trisperma is typically in late summer or early fall, usually between August and October.

Starts Flowering

The Three Seed Sedge typically starts flowering in May.

Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Carex trisperma is typically in late summer or early fall, usually between August and October.