Species Cattail Sedge
lime spikelets with green-lime foliage and stems

Cattail Sedge

Carex typhina

Cattail Sedge (Carex typhina) is a perennial sedge that thrives in moist soil. Growing up to 3 feet tall, the plant is topped with showy, stiff cattail-like spikes. Its green leaves have an interesting texture and appear to be ribbed. Its bloom time is late spring to mid-summer, when slender branched flowers appear. A hardy species, Cattail Sedge is drought tolerant and somewhat salt tolerant. It makes for an excellent garden and landscape plant and is a great choice for naturalized garden areas.

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Cattail Sedge should be watered regularly in order to keep the soil evenly moist. It should ideally be watered every 5-7 days, depending on the temperature and humidity levels. During the warmer summer months, watering may need to be done as often as twice weekly. In cooler temperatures, watering can be reduced to once a week. During the winter, watering should be reduced or stopped completely unless the air temperatures remain consistently above 50°F. When using a sprinkler or watering can, be sure to saturate the soil as deeply as possible. It is also important to avoid over-watering as this can lead to root rot.

sunlight

Cattail Sedge (Carex typhina) prefers full sunlight to partial shade, sometimes called "dappled shade." The plant grows best in damp and moist soils when situated in full sun. When planted in partial shade, the plant can survive but will produce fewer flowers and seeds. Depending on location, the plants should receive at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. During the summer months, provide about 8 to 10 hours of sunlight each day. Cattail Sedge should be protected from extreme temperatures, either hot or cold, for optimal growth.

pruning

Cattail Sedge (Carex typhina) requires minimal pruning throughout the growing season. Prune off any dead or damaged foliage in late winter/early spring. This removes any old growth and encourages new growth in the coming season. Additionally, light trimming of the foliage can be performed in late spring or early summer to help encourage bushy, full growth. Be sure to sterilize tools between pruning sessions to prevent the spread of diseases.