Plant Details

Carex vulpinoidea

Fox Sedge

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Clumping sedge with fine textured leaves that grows in wet conditions; wildlife friendly!

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Description:

Clumping sedge that grows in moist to wet conditions along streams and ponds, wet meadows and swamps. Dense clumps of soft, fine textured leaves resemble blades of grass and can attain heights of 2-3 ft. Green spikey flowers protrude from the center of the clumps and bloom for a short period in late spring to early summer. Wind pollinated flowers giveway to attractive seedheads that turn brown and resemble a fox’s tail, for which the plant is named. Prefers full sun, but can withstand partial shade in consistently moist soils. Fox Sedge is valuable for wetland restoration and erosion control projects. Use it in bioswales, stormwater basins, rain gardens and drainage ditches. Good choice for wet meadows and wildlife gardens. 

Wildlife Value: Host plant for skippers and moths including Poanes spp., Euphyes spp., Eyed Brown (Satyrodes eurydice), Sordid Wainscot (Hypocoena inquinata) and many others. Vegetation provides food and habitat for numerous beneficial insects. A variety of wetland birds feed on the seeds including ducks, swans, rails, sparrows and sandpipers. Colonies of Fox Sedge provide excellent cover and protection for birds and wildlife. 

Plant Details: