Species PlantsGolden Sedge

Golden Sedge

Carex aurea

UncommonPlant
Illustration of Golden Sedge (Carex aurea)

Golden Sedge is a small, delicate sedge notable for its bright orange to golden perigynia at maturity. Native to moist habitats across much of Canada and the northern United States, it grows just 4–12 inches tall. The colorful fruits make it distinctive among North American sedges. It frequently grows in calcareous (lime-rich) wet meadows and spring seeps.

Habitat
Grows in calcareous wet meadows, spring seeps, and moist rocky slopes.
Diet
Small seeds consumed by ground-foraging sparrows and finches.
How common
Uncommon

Best time to see a Golden Sedge

The best time to see a Golden Sedge is June–July, when about 75% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 1,055 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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