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Carex hystericina - Porcupine sedge

Native Wetland Plants

Carex hystericina

Porcupine sedge

More About Porcupine sedge

  • Cool season clumping wetland grass
  • Spreads moderately by rhizomes
  • Deer resistant and drought tolerant

Carex hystericina, Porcupine sedge, is named for its spiky seed head which resembles a porcupine.  Porcupine sedge spreads moderately from short rhizomes in full sun to partial shade. Its foliage is light green in color and blooms in early spring. Grows to 1-2’ tall.

Bloom Color

Yellow

Carex hystericina Characteristics & Attributes

Exposure
• Sun
• Partial Shade
Mature Height
• 1' - 2'
Spread Characteristics
• Clumping
Season of Interest (Flowering)
• Spring
• Summer
Season of Interest (Foliage)
• Spring
Pond Zonation
• Flood Plain - Upland
• High Marsh - Saturated Soil
• Low Marsh 0 - 6"
Foliage Color
• Green
Wildlife Benefits
• Amphibians
• Cover
• Food
• Nesting
• Waterfowl
Critter Resistance
• Deer Resistant
Wetland Indicator Status
• OBL
Plant Type
• Bog/Marsh
• Marginal
• Sedge
Attributes
• Bio Remediation
• Container
• Drought Tolerant
• Erosion Control
• Fibrous Roots
• Mass Planting
• Native
• Naturalizing
• Rain Garden
• Storm Water Basin
USDA Hardiness Zone
• 5
• 6
• 7
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