Carex alata
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Species Native to Missouri
Common Name: broadwing sedge
Type: Rush or Sedge
Family: Cyperaceae
Zone: 4 to 8
Native Range: Eastern United States
Height: 2 to 3 feet
Spread: 1.5 to 2 feet
Bloom Time: May to June
Bloom Color: Green
Bloom Description: Green
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Wet
Maintenance: Low
Flowers: Flowers not Showy
Tolerates: Wet Soil, Deer
Uses: Erosion Control, Rain Garden, Will Naturalize

Culture

Best grown in moist to wet soils in full sun to part shade. May go dormant in hot summer weather if soils are not kept consistently moist.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Carex alata is a Missouri native sedge featuring narrow, grass-like green leaves which typically grows in clumps or tussocks to 2.5' tall. It is indigenous primarily to Ozark sink-hole ponds, with some scattered populations also present in southeastern Missouri swamps. Flowering stems appear in spring bearing clusters of small green scale-like flowers. Egg-shaped fertile spikes to 1/2" long.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems.

Garden Uses

Best in water gardens, bog gardens or in wet soils along streams or ponds.

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