Awl-fruited Sedge
Other Names: Common Fox Sedge, Prickly Sedge, Spongy Sedge, Stalk-grained Sedge, Owlfruit Sedge, Awlfruit Sedge, Swamp Sedge, Sawbeak Sedge
Family: Cyperaceae
Native to: Eastern North America, Interior North America, Western North America, Asia
Eco benefits: water filtration, attracts birds
Natural habitat: swamps & bogs, prairies, waters edge, floodplains
Shapes: upright
Unique attractions: leaves, fruit, branching
Tolerances: deer resistant
Common uses: reforestation, naturalized plantings, shade garden, ground cover, rain garden
Light: full sun, partial shade
Soil: moist and fertile, tolerates wet feet, wet
Awl-fruited sedge is a cool season perennial of Vulpinae type sedge, native to North America and Asia. Sedges are grouped according to common traits due to the large amount of species (over 600 in North America). Awl-fruited Sedge has many common names including prickly sedge, common fox sedge, stalk-grained sedge, amongst other names. The plant thrives in wet habitats such as waters edge, swamps, floodplains, and wet meadows. Its most prominent features include yellowish-green foliage and interesting green to golden brown prickly seed heads. This plant and establishes quickly, and is a good choice for wetland restoration purposes; tolerates full shade to full sun exposure, is deer-resistant, and attracts birds and native insects.
