slough sedge

Carex obnupta

Slough sedge is a tall, grassy plant that grows in wet places like marshes. It has long, green leaves and fluffy flower heads that look like little brushes.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The slough sedge has tough, grass-like leaves that form dense, upright clumps, often appearing bright to dark green. Its unique triangular stems feel sharp to the touch, topped with slender, brownish-green flower spikes that are not showy.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderPoalesFamilyCyperaceaeGenusCarex

slough sedge

Interesting facts

If you roll a slough sedge stem, you'll feel it's triangular, not round like grass!

Indigenous peoples once wove its tough leaves and stems into sturdy mats and useful baskets.

Its roots act like natural sponges, helping to filter pollutants and keep wetland water clean.

Slough sedge can live for many, many years, making it a very long-lasting plant in its habitat.

Special abilities

Slough sedge can grow directly in standing water, using its strong roots to anchor soil and prevent erosion.

This sedge has tough underground stems called rhizomes, helping it spread widely and form dense colonies.

Its thick clumps create safe hiding spots and nesting sites for many small wetland creatures to thrive.

Measurements & details

Height: 60-150 cm
Spread: 30-60 cm
Flower Size: 1-5 cm
Bloom Season: Spring to early Summer
Edible: No
Toxicity: None
Lifecycle: Perennial
Pollination Method: Wind

Ecological connections

eaten by

Mule Deer

Odocoileus hemionus

browses on its leaves and stems

eaten by

Mallard

Anas platyrhynchos

forages for its seeds and plant material

shelters

Red-winged Blackbird

Agelaius phoeniceus

builds nests deep within its dense clumps

Traits

Flowering

Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.

Grass-Like

Grass-like plants are herbaceous plants that visually resemble true grasses, typically having long, narrow leaves.

Medicinal

Medicinal plants possess chemical compounds that can be used for therapeutic purposes to treat illnesses or maintain health.

Pollinator Magnet

Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.

Rapid Growing

Rapid growing plants exhibit accelerated growth rates, quickly increasing in size and biomass within a short period.

Wetland

This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs.