1. *Brown Sedge – Carex subfusca
(CARE-ex
sub-FUSS-kuh )
Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge Family)
Native to: Much of western Northern America. In CA, mostly in mountain ranges – locally in San
Gabriel Mtns; seasonally moist mountain meadows, along watercourses in Douglas-Fir Forest,
Yellow Pine Forest, Subalpine Forest, Mixed Evergreen Forest, Southern Oak Woodland, Foothill
Woodland, N. coastal Chaparral between 200 and 12,000 feet .
Growth characteristics: spreading perennial sedge mature height: < 1 ft. mature width: 2-4+ ft.
Grass-like sedge with dark green leaves. Spreads by rhizomes to form dense, lawn-like mat.
Leaves narrow, upright. Evergreen with regular water.
Blooms in spring. Flowers are more showy than most sedges.
are dense, larger than many local sedges. Browning seeds are attractive.
Blooms/fruits:
Flowering clusters
Uses in the garden: Useful as a green ‘lawn substitute’, particularly in areas with little foot traffic.
Attractive sedge around garden ponds, rain gardens, dry swales.
species for a wet meadow. Fine for high and lower elevations.
Combine with other local wetland
Sensible substitute for: Non-native sedges, ornamental grasses, pond plants.
Attracts: Excellent bird habitat: provides cover and seeds for food.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun (regular water) to quite shady.
Most local soils; pH 5.0-8.0.
Wide range of tolerance; best with moderate to regular water (Water Zones 2 to 3).
Fine with occasional, low-dose fertilizer.
Organic mulch (leaf mulch; bark chips).
Plants will spread – consider containing.
range of light and water conditions.
Management:
Propagation: from seed: yes
Other than that, easy to grow in wide
by cuttings: easy by divisions.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 3, 9, 11, 13
8/1/13
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