Home Prairie and Wetland Center
16245 S US Hwy 71
Belton, MO 64012
Tel: (816) 331-9738
Fax: (816) 331-9739

Carex shortiana

Short's Sedge

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Carex shortiana (Short's Sedge)

Short's Sedge is a good choice for wetland restoration projects. This common species occurs naturally in wet meadows, moist prairies, swamps, bottomland forests, and along the banks of ponds and streams. Its characteristic upright seedheads appear from May to June and turn a chocolate brown color. Leaves originate at or near the base of the plant and are a greenish-blue color. Unlike many sedges, male and female flowers appear on different plants. Rhizomes are absent or very small. Flowering stems are very triagonal.

Additional Information:


Height
2-3 Feet

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Spread
1-2 Feet

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Bloom/Seasonal Color
Green


USDA Hardiness Zone 5-6

Home Owner Growing and Maintenance Tips:

Good Companions
Southern Blue Flag (Iris virginica var. shrevei), Longhaired Sedge (Carex comosa), Gray's Sedge (Carex grayi), Fox Sedge (Carex vulpinoidea), Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), Crested Sedge (Carex cristatella), Spotted Joe-Pye Weed (Eupatorium maculatum), Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum), Rice Cutgrass (Leersia oryzoides)

Characteristics & Attributes

Hydrologic Designation

FACW+

Root

Fibrous

Season of Interest

Mid (May-June)

Soil Moisture

High

Special Uses

Bog

Sun Exposure

Full Sun
Medium Sun/Average Shade

USFS MO Ecological Map

Wildlife Benefit

Food/Birds