Carex elata subsp. elata

Common Names

Tufted Sedge

Summary

Bowles Golden Sedge, commonly known as Tufted Sedge, is a tussock-forming evergreen perennial native to Europe, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Turkey, Iran and Central Asia. It grows to about 1.2 m tall and 1.5 m wide, forming dense arching clumps with bright gold foliage and green margins; flowers appear May–June and seeds ripen July–August; it is monoecious. The cultivar 'Aurea' (Bowles Golden) features gold foliage and has received the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

It grows in nutrient-rich wetlands such as marshes, fens, wet woods and shallow water margins, tolerating shallow water up to 2 inches; thrives in fertile, acidic soils with full sun to partial shade and does not tolerate drought. Hardiness zones 5a–9b. In landscapes, it is suitable for containers, near ponds or water features, and for large drifts or accent plantings in shade gardens, as well as massing in woodland, rock, or rain gardens; it is relatively low maintenance.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

1-4 feet

Spread

1-3 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 5a-9b

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun to partial shade, including partial sun.

Soil Type

Acidic, nutrient-rich, wet soil

Soil Drainage

Wet, poorly drained, waterlogged soils with standing water.

Soil pH

Acidic soil; pH < 6.0.

Bloom Color

Insignificant

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Bright gold with green margins

Fall Foliage Color

Bright gold foliage with green margins

Growth Rate

Medium

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Division, Seeds (hydrochorie)

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts butterflies