Carex aquatilis

Common Names

Water Sedge, Leafy Tussock Sedge

Summary

Water sedge is a circumboreal, wetland-obligate perennial that forms dense colonies by creeping rhizomes. Stems are triangular and reach 15–150 cm in height, with narrow leaves about 2–7 mm wide; inflorescences consist of multiple green spikes. Reproduction occurs mostly vegetatively via rhizomes, with seed production infrequent, and germination when seeds are produced ranges around 20–60%. The plant tolerates 1–2 months of submergence and contributes to shoreline stabilization and wildlife habitat.

In cultivation and landscape use, it prefers damp to wet soils in open, sunny to partly shaded areas and is not highly shade-tolerant; it can be propagated by division in spring from three-year-old clumps, while seed propagation is possible but less common. It is widely used in wetland restoration and disturbed-site rehabilitation for erosion control and streambank stabilization, and provides forage and cover for waterfowl and other wildlife; management is minimal beyond maintaining adequate moisture.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

6 inches to 5 feet

Spread

6-8 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 3-7

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun to partial shade, full shade tolerated.

Soil Type

Cold, moist to wet soils, textures from sandy loam to clay, including standing water or waterlogged conditions.

Soil Drainage

Wet, saturated soils

Soil pH

3.0-7.9

Bloom Color

Green, brownish with maturity.

Bloom Time

Summer

Foliage Color

Light green to glaucous green, dark green

Fall Foliage Color

No fall color

Leaf Lifecycle

Semi-deciduous

Growth Rate

Moderate

Seasons of Interest

Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts birds