Tussock Sedge

Iris versicolor

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. Elongated spikes develop June-July. Seeds mature August-September. Foliage dies back in late fall but old material persists to build tussock structure. Can be cut back or burned.

Wildlife Value: Seeds eaten by waterfowl, rails, and wetland songbirds; provides excellent cover and nesting sites for marsh birds including Sedge Wren; important wetland habitat species

Habit Over Time: Forms distinctive elevated tussocks in consistently wet areas, where old foliage builds up to create elevated growing platforms. In drier conditions, spreads more conventionally through rhizomes. Creates dominant wetland communities.

Height: Tall (3-4 feet)