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Native Plant Database

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Carex aquatilis Wahlenb.

Leafy tussock sedge, Water sedge

Cyperaceae (Sedge Family)

Synonyms: Carex aquatilis var. aquatilis, Carex aquatilis var. altior, Carex substricta

USDA Symbol: CAAQ

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

A clumpy, 1-3 ft. sedge. Thick, smooth culms slightly exceed the leaves in height. Brown or blackish spikes are stiff and erect. A leaflike bract extends beyond the cluster of spikes.

 

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Grass/Grass-like
Root Type: Fibrous
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Leaf Shape: Linear
Leaf Venation: Parallel
Breeding System: Flowers Unisexual , Monoecious
Leaf: Green
Fruit:
Size Class: 1-3 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Not Applicable
Bloom Notes: Perianth absent.

Distribution

USA: AK , AZ , CA , CO , CT , DC , IA , ID , IL , IN , KS , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , MT , ND , NE , NH , NJ , NM , NV , NY , OH , OR , PA , SD , UT , VA , VT , WA , WI , WY
Canada: AB , BC , MB , NB , NL , NS , ON , PE , QC , SK , YT
Native Distribution: Circumboreal at high latitudes, extending s. in N. America to NJ, IN, MO, KS, NM, AZ & e. of the Cascades to CA
Native Habitat: Wet meadows and shallow water at northern latitudes or mid- to high-elevations
USDA Native Status: L48(N), AK(N), CAN(N), GL(N), SPM(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: High
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist , Wet
CaCO3 Tolerance: High
Aquatic: yes
Soil Description: Wet soil to shallow water.
Conditions Comments: Recommended for wetland restoration projects.

Propagation

Description: Not Available
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes

Find Seed or Plants

Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.

View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.

From the National Suppliers Directory

According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:

Toadshade Wildflower Farm - Frenchtown, NJ

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:

Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Carex aquatilis in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Carex aquatilis in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Carex aquatilis

Metadata

Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff

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