Carex crinita (Fringed Sedge) Unity Grown

Carex crinita, commonly referred to as fringed sedge, is an evergreen grass-like perennial found in wetland habitats, including wet meadows, marshes, and other swampy areas, across almost all of the eastern United States. Growing to 2-3' tall, and occasionally 4' with flowers, Carex crinita prefers moist to wet soils in full to part sun, and spread via roots to form large colonies over time; while an individual plant may spread to only 18" or so, Carex crinita colonies have been known to spread through soft soils easily. Fringed sedge may crowd out other aquatic plants, but its thick rhizomes make it an excellent plant for wetland restoration and erosion control, so care should be taken when choosing an appropriate planting location.

While it prefers consistently well-drained moist to wet soil conditions, fringed sedges can tolerate standing water, heavy clay soils, and seasonal flooding as well as drier, well-drained soil conditions. From late spring to early summer, Carex crinita produces small, spiky flowers which are unremarkable, typically small and brown with light green tufts. Since its flowers are pollinated via wind, it is not a huge draw for pollinators, but it is, however, a host plant for several butterfly and moth species, whose caterpillars eat its foliage, making it a great choice for native rain gardens and wetter pollinator gardens in need of a good caterpillar food supply.