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Narrow-leaved Woolly Sedge

Carex lasiocarpa

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Category
Grass / Sedge / Rush
Sun
Partial to Shade
Soil moisture
Wet to Medium-Wet
Bloom time
Jun–Aug
Notes
Cool

About Narrow-leaved Woolly Sedge

Narrow-leaved Woolly Sedge, also known as Slender Sedge or Woollyfruit Sedge, is an elegant species that brings a unique texture to specialized wetland environments. This rhizomatous sedge typically grows one and a half to four feet tall, featuring exceptionally narrow, almost wire-like leaves that sway gracefully in the breeze. Its most distinctive botanical feature is its densely hairy or 'woolly' seed sacs, which provide interest upon close inspection and help distinguish it from other slender sedges. Native to the northern reaches of North America and Eurasia, it is a key component of bogs, fens, and acidic peatlands, where it often forms floating mats and plays a vital role in peat-forming communities. Narrow-leaved Woolly Sedge offers essential cover for specialized bog-dwelling insects and amphibians. In a landscape context, it is best suited for bog gardens or consistently wet sites that mimic its natural habitat. It performs well in partial sun to full shade and requires wet to medium-wet conditions to thrive. This sedge is a beautiful choice for those looking to preserve or recreate rare wetland ecosystems.

Native range

Native to 30 states:

AlaskaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutIowaIdahoIllinoisIndianaMassachusettsMarylandMaineMichiganMinnesotaMontanaNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaNebraskaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew YorkOhioOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandUtahVirginiaVermontWashingtonWisconsinWyoming

County range map

BONAP county-level native range map for Carex lasiocarpa

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

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