Species › Plants › Yellow Sedge

Yellow Sedge

Carex flava

UncommonPlant
Illustration of Yellow Sedge (Carex flava)

Yellow Sedge is a small to medium sedge of calcareous wetlands across northern North America, recognized by its yellowish-green perigynia with prominently reflexed beaks that give the fruiting heads a distinctive porcupine-like appearance. It typically grows 8–20 inches tall in fens, wet meadows, and calcareous seeps. Yellow Sedge is a strong indicator of calcium-rich, nutrient-poor wetlands and is associated with rare plant communities including orchid fens.

Habitat
Found in calcareous fens, wet meadows, and seeps across northern North America.
Diet
Provides seeds for ground-foraging sparrows and wrens in wetland habitats.
How common
Uncommon

Best time to see a Yellow Sedge

The best time to see a Yellow Sedge is June–July, when about 73% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 670 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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