Species › Plants › Fringed Sedge

Fringed Sedge

Carex crinita

CommonPlant
Illustration of Fringed Sedge (Carex crinita)

Fringed Sedge is a graceful, arching wetland sedge with long, drooping brown flower spikes that create an elegant fountain-like effect. Native to moist to wet forests and stream margins across eastern North America, it grows 2–4 feet tall. The cascading spikes give the plant an ornamental quality appreciated in naturalistic garden designs. It is one of the most visually distinctive sedges in its range and tolerates moderate shade well.

Habitat
Found in moist forests, stream banks, wet woodland edges, and swamp margins in eastern North America.
Diet
Seeds consumed by birds; dense clumps provide cover for wetland wildlife.
How common
Common

Best time to see a Fringed Sedge

The best time to see a Fringed Sedge is April–June, when about 68% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 1,724 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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