Species › Plants › Water Sedge

Water Sedge

Carex aquatilis

CommonPlant
Illustration of Water Sedge (Carex aquatilis)

Water Sedge is an abundant aquatic or semi-aquatic sedge of Arctic and boreal wetlands, growing in dense stands along lakeshores, river margins, and wet tundra. It is one of the most important plants of Arctic ecosystems, providing critical nesting habitat and food for many waterfowl including lesser snow geese, Canada geese, and tundra swans.

Habitat
Arctic and boreal wetlands, lakeshores, and tundra ponds
Diet
Rhizomes and seeds eaten by lesser snow geese, tundra swans, and muskrats
How common
Common

Best time to see a Water Sedge

The best time to see a Water Sedge is June–July, when about 65% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 400 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Not certain it is a Water Sedge? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.

Recent Water Sedge sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spotted a Water Sedge?

Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal and know for sure - plus a live map of where it is being spotted near you.

Get Huck - free
5,300+species
63national parks
50states

More plants

Water Shield
Water Shield
Brasenia schreberi
Water Smartweed
Water Smartweed
Persicaria amphibia
Water Spangles
Water Spangles
Salvinia minima
Water Spider Orchid
Water Spider Orchid
Habenaria repens
Water Stargrass
Water Stargrass
Heteranthera dubia
Water Tupelo
Water Tupelo
Nyssa aquatica
Watercress
Watercress
Nasturtium officinale
Wavyleaf Paintbrush
Wavyleaf Paintbrush
Castilleja applegatei