Carex lurida (Shallow Sedge)

Carex lurida (Shallow Sedge) is a vigorous clump-forming sedge forming a tuft of basal leaves and one or more stiff culms up to 36 in. long (90 cm). Each culm features arching, bright yellow-green leaves, up to 12 in. long (30 cm), along their lower half. In spring, stiff triangular culms rise above the foliage bearing large lime-green bottlebrush shaped spikes. Turning golden brown when ripe, they attract many wetland birds, including various waterfowl, granivorous songbirds. The root system consists of fibrous roots and rhizomes. Native to North America, Shallow Sedge occurs naturally in prairie swales, sedge meadows, swamps, edges of marshes, gravelly seeps, borders of ponds and streams, and ditches. This moisture-loving plant is an excellent choice for a water garden, wetland garden or near ponds and streams.

• Grows up to 18-36 in. tall (45-90 cm) and 12-24 in. wide (30-60 cm).
• Performs best in full sun to light shade in continually moist to wet, loamy, sandy or clay soils. Tolerates seasonal flooding. This sedge does not go dormant in summer and may require supplemental watering if planted in dry areas.
• A good choice for plantings in bog gardens, rain gardens or near ponds and streams.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Deer resistant.
• Native to North America.