Carex stricta - tussock sedge
DESCRIPTION
tussock sedge
Carex stricta
Tussock sedge grows in 2-3' tall clumps about 2' wide. As old leaves die, they build up around the living plant, making a "tussock" or little hill. It grows in or near water and spreads by rhizomes to make new clumps. As new tussocks form, they trap water between them, helping other aquatic plants get established. It also creates quality cover for breeding frogs, toads, salamanders and insects. Plants are great nest and perching sites for birds, including ducks, small herons, swamp and song sparrows, geese, and others. Other birds use leaves and stems to build nests and a number of birds and small mammals such as mallard, wood duck, wild turkey, cardinal, junco, squirrels feed on the seeds.
Benefits
- Evergreen
- Provides habitat for amphibians
- Provides cover and nest sites for a number of birds including waterfowl
- Birds and small mammals feed on the seed
- Larval food source for Northern Eyed and Appalachian Browns, Sedge and Two Spotted Skippers and the rare Mitchell's Satyr, as well as other butterflies
- Will grow in wet soils or standing water
NATIVE INFO
Native Range
Maine to North Dakota, south to Illinois and North Carolina.
Native range derived from The Biota of North America
INTERESTING FACTS
You can tell sedges and rushes apart by remembering the old rhyme, "Sedges have edges but rushes are round." Sedges have long, green, triangular stems with rough edges while rushes (Juncus) have smooth round stems.
GROWING TIPS
Sun to light shade. Best color in full sun. Prefers consistently moist, fertile soil but tolerates drier conditions. Thrives in shallow standing water. Suffers under drought stress. Most effective when planted en masses.
Mature Size: 2-3' Tall x 2' Wide
Hardiness Zone: 5-8
Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Part Shade
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American Beauties Offer Solution Based Plant Collections to Help you Choose
Quick Tips for Choosing Plants:
- Planting a variety of native trees, shrubs, perennials and vines increases biodiversity and gives wildlife a source for food, cover and nesting
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Choosing the right plants for your garden can seem like a daunting task but we’re here to help. Our horticulturists have spent a considerable amount of time researching and writing our beautiful, American Beauties plant tags to help you be successful. First of all, when you see an American Beauties branded pot at your garden center you can be confident that the plant is native to your area and a responsible choice.
When you look at our tag you’ll find information about the plants natural habitat. That will give you a clue to how it will work in your backyard. For instance if the plant is naturally founded and moist, shade and you have full sun, it’s not the plant for you. The “Features” section gives you an overview or plant description so you’ll know what to expect. While the “Benefits” section talks about the plants strong suits and how the plant will benefit wildlife.
A Special Note About Exposure
Full sun: Prefers six or more hours of direct sunshine a day
Partial shade: Thrives in three to six hours of daily sunshine
Shade: Generally does well with less than three hours of sun per day. Having said that even shade loving plants will struggle in extremely deep shade.
DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES
Best Plants for Bees - Double sided printout for download
Best Plants for Butterflies - Double sided printout for download