Species PlantsBladder Sedge

Bladder Sedge

Carex intumescens

CommonPlant
Illustration of Bladder Sedge (Carex intumescens)

Bladder Sedge is a woodland sedge with notably large, inflated, beak-tipped perigynia that resemble tiny balloons. Found across eastern North America, it typically grows 1–2.5 feet tall in forested wetlands. The swollen, shiny green perigynia mature to a golden-brown and are an identifying feature. This species tolerates periodic flooding and shading well.

Habitat
Grows in forested swamps, wet woodlands, and along shaded stream banks.
Diet
Seeds eaten by wood ducks and forest-floor birds; provides invertebrate habitat.
How common
Common

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