Hairy-leaved Lake Sedge (Carex atherodes)
KARE-ex atherodes
Deciduous Perennial Upright, Rhizomatous in the Cyperaceae Family
Buy Hairy-leaved Lake Sedge
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The distinguishing features of this species are the separate male and female spikes, the sharply two-toothed beak of the perigynium and the hairy leaves
Carex atherodes (Hairy-leaved Lake Sedge, also called Awned Sedge or Slough Sedge) is a robust, moisture-loving sedge native to North America. This rhizomatous perennial spreads to form loose colonies, typically growing 3 to 4 feet tall, with arching green leaf blades and distinctly hairy leaf sheaths and undersides. Its spiky, awn-tipped seed heads emerge in shades of green, tan, or brown as they mature, and its stem bases are hollow and spongy, with fibrous reddish-brown basal sheaths.
Hairy-leaved Lake Sedge thrives in consistently wet to boggy soil, including standing water, making it well suited to marshes, swamps, wet meadows, and pond or stream edges. Its spreading rhizomes help it form dense colonies that stabilize soil and provide structure and cover for wetland wildlife.
Pros
Thrives in standing water and consistently wet soil where few other plants grow
Spreading rhizomes help stabilize wetland and streamside soil
Provides cover and habitat for wetland wildlife
Low-maintenance once established in a wet site
Cons
Spreads aggressively by rhizome and can be too vigorous for small garden spaces
Needs consistently moist to wet soil; struggles in average or dry garden conditions
Coarse, grass-like texture may not suit a formal planting style
Why Like
A valuable wetland native, Carex atherodes helps stabilize marsh, pond, and stream-edge soils with its spreading rhizomes while forming dense colonies that provide structure and cover for wetland wildlife. Its ability to grow in standing water makes it useful in restoring and planting the wettest parts of a naturalistic landscape.
Highlights
Distinctive hairy leaf sheaths and spiky, awn-tipped seed heads; thrives in standing water and boggy soil where few other plants can grow; forms dense, soil-stabilizing colonies in wetland settings.
Plant Data
Mature Size
3 - 4 feet
tall. 12 - 18 inches
wide.
Sun Exposure
Partial Shade - Full Sun
Moisture Tolerance
Medium - Wet
Zones
2a - 9b
(Usually hardy to -50° F)
Tags
Deciduous, Deer Resistant, Full Sun, Grasses, Illinois Native, Medium, Native to North America, Partial Shade, Partial Sun, Perennial, Rabbit Resistant, Wet, Wet Site Tolerant
We try very hard to source exactly what you’d like, but sometimes growers run out of plants! While this variety is a great deal at the price shown, we know that it has limited availability. If you want the plant even if it might be more expensive, or in a different size or quantity -- after you place your order, just send us a quick note at help@northshoreplantclub.com. Then, we’ll try to get you some version of this from one of our growers. And if we can’t get it from anywhere, of course, we’ll send a refund!
Field-Grown vs. Greenhouse-Grown Plants
Plants which are well-adapted to our local climate are most often field-grown (outside). Field-grown plants are generally cheaper and have the advantage of already somewhat acclimated to our cold winters, but that means they’re not artificially far along in the spring and tend to bloom at the normal time in our area.
Spring annuals and tender perennials are typically grown in Greenhouses so they can be ready and luxurious exactly when customers want them. Some perennials are also “forced” into early bloom in greenhouses. In May, there can be a very big difference between field-grown and greenhouse-grown plants of the same type. The latter typically look good right away (so they’re a great choice where that’s important), but we typically pay a premium for it.
Estimated Recipe Cost
The cost of this recipe's ingredients will vary depending on the season and the sizes and varieties you select.
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To secure the best prices for club members and make sure we know the current plants available from each nursery, we take orders only a couple of times a month.
Shoot us an email at help@northshoreplantclub.com, and we'll be happy to talk about plants or let you know when it's time to buy them!
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It looks like we've offered this plant in the past, but the nurseries we're working with this week don't appear to have it in stock at the moment.
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