Porcupine Sedge
Clump-forming wetland sedge growing 2-3′ tall. Features narrow upright leaves and distinctive prickly, bottlebrush-like seed heads with straight teeth. Prefers consistently wet to mucky soils and full sun to partial shade. Often found in marshes, wet prairies, calcareous seeps, and pond margins. Excellent for erosion control and wetland wildlife habitat. Suitable for rain gardens, bog gardens, and wetland restoration. Distinguished by red-purple base coloration. Native to North America.
Plant Details
Bloom Colour: Green to Brown
Bloom Time: Late-Spring to Early-Summer
Sun Requirements: Sun to Part-Sun
Moisture: Wet to Moist
Phenology: New growth begins May. Prickly, bristly spikes develop June-July. Seeds mature August with distinctive straight teeth on perigynia. Foliage dies back in late fall. Dead stems persist through winter.
Wildlife Value: Seeds eaten by waterfowl, rails, and wetland songbirds; provides cover for wetland wildlife; larval host for Eyed Brown butterfly and Black Dash skipper
Habit Over Time: Forms dense, upright clumps that create good structure in wet areas. The prickly seed heads provide interesting texture. Maintains neat appearance in wetland settings while providing excellent habitat value.
Height: Medium (2-3 feet)