Carex lurida

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Carex lurida

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Kemper Code: J670

Common Name: sallow sedge
Zone: 3 to 8
Plant Type: Rush or Sedge
Family: Cyperaceae
Missouri Native: Yes
Native Range: Canada, United States, Ecuador
Height: 1.5 to 3 feet
Spread: 1 to 2 feet
Bloom Time: May - September
Bloom Color: Green
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium to wet
Maintenance: Low

Plant Culture and Characteristics

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Uses:		Wildlife:	Flowers:	Leaves:	Fruit:
Hedge	Suitable as annual	Attracts birds	Has showy flowers	Leaves colorful	Has showy fruit
Shade tree	Culinary herb	Attracts	Has fragrant flowers	Leaves fragrant	Fruit edible
Street tree	Vegetable	hummingbirds	Flowers not showy	Good fall color	Other:
Flowering tree	Water garden plant	Attracts	Good cut flower	Evergreen	Winter interest
Gr. cover (<1')	Will naturalize	butterflies	Good dried flower		Thorns or spines

General Culture:

Carex lurida grows best in wet to moist soil in full sun to partial shade.

Noteworthy Characteristics:

This Carex is common throughout southern and central Missouri in the moist soil beside ponds, streams and spring branches and in calcium-rich swampy meadows. Its grass-like leaves grow up to 3' tall from short stout rhizomes. The seedheads resemble small sweetgum balls but do not grow above the foliage. This sedge is less prone to summer dieback and remains attractive during warm weather.

Problems: Click for detailed list of pests and problems.

Although this sedge does not go dormant in summer, it may require supplemental watering if planted in dry areas.

Uses:

C. lurida is best for locations with moist soil such as around water gardens or in establishing native plants in wet meadows, swampy areas, or around bodies of water.