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Prairie Star Sedge

Carex interior

Photo coming soon
Category
Grass / Sedge / Rush
Sun
Full to Shade
Soil moisture
Wet to Medium-Wet
Bloom time
Jun

About Prairie Star Sedge

Prairie Star Sedge, also known as Inland Sedge, is a delicate, fine-textured species that creates soft, shimmering mounds of green in the early summer landscape. This densely tufted sedge typically grows between six and eighteen inches tall, making it an ideal choice for smaller-scale wetland plantings or as a subtle accent in a larger meadow. Its common name refers to the small, star-like seed clusters that appear as the perigynia spread at maturity, giving the plant a sparkling appearance. Native to much of North America, it is a signature species of wet meadows, fens, and bogs, often preferring sites with calcareous or neutral soil. Despite its dainty appearance, Prairie Star Sedge provides important cover for small amphibians and beneficial insects, and its seeds are a food source for wetland birds. It is highly adaptable to light conditions, thriving in everything from full sun to deep shade, as long as it has access to wet or medium-wet soil. This sedge is perfect for adding a touch of elegance and ecological function to any moist garden site.

Native range

Native to 38 states:

AlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutIowaIdahoIllinoisIndianaKansasMassachusettsMarylandMaineMichiganMinnesotaMissouriMontanaNorth DakotaNebraskaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNevadaNew YorkOhioOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth DakotaTennesseeUtahVirginiaVermontWashingtonWisconsinWest VirginiaWyoming

County range map

BONAP county-level native range map for Carex interior

Range map courtesy of BONAP (Biota of North America Program).

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