grassN. America Native

Tussock Sedge

Name: Tussock Sedge
Brand: Carex
Availability: InStock

Carex stricta

$9.99

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Grass

Height

36 inches

Width

36 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

High

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived perennial

Native To

Eastern and Central North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Carex stricta is a native wetland sedge that forms dense, mounded clumps or 'tussocks' over time. Its fine-textured, arching leaves are typically green, providing a soft look. This sedge is a keystone species in many North American wetlands, providing critical habitat and erosion control. Its unique tussock-forming habit creates micro-habitats for other plants and animals.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Offers fine texture and an arching, fountain-like habit that softens the edges of water features and wet areas. The tussocks themselves become architectural elements in the landscape.

Its dense, fibrous root system is exceptional for erosion control and stabilizing shorelines. In rain gardens, it slows and filters stormwater runoff, improving water quality.

A foundational species in wetlands, it provides food for waterfowl (seeds), is a host plant for several skipper butterfly species, and offers critical nesting habitat and cover for birds, amphibians, and insects.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

American Meadows

<1 Gal PotBarerootTrays

In Stock$9.99

Perennial Farm Marketplace

In Stock$26.99

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a consistently moist or wet location in sun or part shade.
This plant does not require soil amendment in its preferred habitat.
Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball.
Set the plant at the same depth it was in the container.
Backfill with soil and water in thoroughly.
Maintain consistent moisture, especially during establishment.

Pro Tip

Ideal for bioswales and rain gardens, as it thrives in fluctuating water levels and helps filter runoff.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistently moist to wet soil.
Plant in a sunny spot for best growth.
Allow it to self-sow to form a natural colony.
Use it to stabilize soil on stream banks or pond edges.

Don't

Don't let the soil dry out completely.
Avoid planting in deep shade, which can lead to weak growth.
Don't fertilize; it thrives in average to lean soils.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Plant
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Essential rain garden plantNaturalistic pond edge stabilizerMoist meadow groundcover

Companion Plants

Iris versicolor Juncus effusus Asclepias incarnata Eupatorium maculatum Lobelia siphilitica

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Tussock Sedge questions

What zones can Tussock Sedge grow in?

Tussock Sedge is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Tussock Sedge deer resistant?

Yes — Tussock Sedge is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Tussock Sedge bloom?

Tussock Sedge typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Tussock Sedge need full sun?

Tussock Sedge does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.