Species PlantsLake Sedge

Lake Sedge

Carex lacustris

CommonPlant
Illustration of Lake Sedge (Carex lacustris)

Lake Sedge is one of the tallest native sedges in North America, reaching 3–5 feet in height. It forms dense colonies along lake shores and in marshes from the Great Lakes region south to the Gulf Coast. Its broad, strap-like leaves are blue-green and provide excellent cover for waterfowl. This species plays a key role in stabilizing shorelines and filtering runoff.

Habitat
Grows in shallow water, lake margins, and emergent marshes.
Diet
Provides nesting cover for red-winged blackbirds; seeds eaten by ducks and geese.
How common
Common

Best time to see a Lake Sedge

The best time to see a Lake Sedge is May–June, when about 74% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 528 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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