Bebb’s sedge
Clump-forming sedge growing 30-90 cm tall. Features narrow, upright leaves and spiky brown flower heads. Prefers consistently moist to wet soils and full sun to partial shade. Often found in wetlands, meadows, and along shorelines. Provides food and cover for wildlife, particularly waterfowl. Useful for erosion control in wet areas and as a component in rain gardens. Tolerates seasonal flooding. Native to much of North America.
Plant Details
Bloom Colour: Green to Brown
Bloom Time: Late-Spring to Early-Summer
Sun Requirements: Sun to Part-Shade
Moisture: Moist to Wet
Phenology: New growth begins early May. Flowering spikes appear June. Seeds mature July-August. Foliage remains green late into fall, turning straw-colored in winter. Dead stems persist until spring.
Wildlife Value: Seeds eaten by waterfowl and songbirds; provides cover for wetland wildlife; important food source for wetland birds
Habit Over Time: Forms dense, tufted clumps that spread slowly through short rhizomes. While it can form extensive colonies over time, the spread is gradual and predictable. The fine-textured foliage creates good structure without being overwhelmingly dense.
Height: Medium (1-3 feet)