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Bristly Sedge

Carex comosa

Bristly sedge is a bold wetland sedge with shaggy, bristly seed heads dangling over pond and marsh edges. Striking structure and cover for aquatic wildlife.

Family

Cyperaceae

Type

grass

Lifespan

perennial

Height

5–5 ft

Spacing

1–2 ft apart

Light

part shade

Soil moisture

wet

Soil pH

acidic, neutral

Bloom

April, May, June, July

Bloom colors

green, brown

Wildlife value

songbirds, larval host, mammals

Landscape uses

specimen, rain garden, erosion control, naturalizing

Native states

AL, AR, CA, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV