Species PlantsAwl-fruited Sedge

Awl-fruited Sedge

Carex stipata

CommonPlant
Illustration of Awl-fruited Sedge (Carex stipata)

Awl-fruited Sedge is a common, coarse wetland sedge of eastern North America, recognized by its spongy, triangular stems and dense, clustered spikes of brown fruits with long, tapered beaks. Growing 1–4 feet tall in wet soils, it is one of the most abundant sedges in wet meadows, marshes, and stream margins. The spongy stems help aerate the roots in waterlogged soils. Awl-fruited Sedge is an important component of freshwater wetland plant communities.

Habitat
Found in marshes, wet meadows, stream banks, and shallow water across eastern North America.
Diet
Seeds consumed by marsh birds and waterfowl; provides nesting material and cover for wetland wildlife.
How common
Common

Best time to see a Awl-fruited Sedge

The best time to see a Awl-fruited Sedge is May–June, when about 73% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 1,614 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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