Carex comosa (Bristly Sedge)

Carex comosa (Bristly Sedge) is a vigorous clump-forming sedge forming a large tuft of leaves and flowering culms. It produces arching, lustrous lime green leaves, up to 18 in. long (45 cm), along the entire length of the culms up to the inflorescence. From late spring to early summer, each fertile triangular culm, 3-4 ft. tall (90-120 cm), rises well above the foliage bearing large lime-green bottlebrush-shaped spikes. Turning golden brown when ripe, they attract many wetland birds, including the American Coot, Wilson Snipe, several rails, many ducks, and the Swamp Sparrow. The root system is fibrous and short-rhizomatous. Native to North America, this moisture-loving plant is one of the most ornamental sedges that can be used in rain gardens. Slow-growing, it is an excellent choice for a water garden, wetland garden, or near ponds and streams.

• Grows up to 24-36 in. tall (60-90 cm) and 18-36 in. wide (45-90 cm).
• Performs best in full sun to light shade in continually moist to wet, loamy, or clay soils. Grows poorly in sandy soils.
• A good choice for plantings in bog gardens, rain gardens, or near ponds and streams.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Deer resistant.
• Propagate by seed.
• Native to North America, where it grows in western and eastern regions of Canada and the United States and parts of Mexico.