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Field Oval Sedge

Carex molesta

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Category
Grass / Sedge / Rush
Sun
Full to Shade
Soil moisture
Medium-Wet to Dry
Bloom time
Jun–Jul
Notes
Cool

About Field Oval Sedge

Field Oval Sedge, also known as Troublesome Sedge, is a hardy and adaptable species that excels in the transition zones between wet and dry environments. This clump-forming sedge typically grows 1 to 3 feet tall, featuring clean, green foliage and small, oval-shaped seed spikes that transition from green to a rich brown by mid-summer. Native to meadows, prairies, and open woodlands across the central and eastern United States, it is particularly well-suited for seasonally wet areas that may dry out during the summer months. It is often found in calcareous soils and disturbed sites, demonstrating its resilience. Field Oval Sedge provides a reliable source of seeds for songbirds and essential cover for insects within prairie ecosystems. Its extreme versatility allows it to perform well in full sun to partial shade and adapt to soil moisture levels ranging from medium-wet to dry, making it a dependable choice for diverse and challenging planting sites.

Native range

Native to 32 states:

AlabamaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutD.C.DelawareFloridaIowaIllinoisIndianaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMassachusettsMarylandMichiganMinnesotaMissouriMississippiNorth DakotaNebraskaNew JerseyNew YorkOhioPennsylvaniaSouth DakotaTennesseeVirginiaVermontWisconsinWest Virginia

County range map

BONAP county-level native range map for Carex molesta

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

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