Widefruit Sedge
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(Carex angustata)
Widefruit Sedge (Carex angustata)
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© Matt Berger
CC BY 4.0
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© Matt Berger
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Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: © Matt Berger | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Uploader: sheriff_woody_pct | Publisher: iNaturalist |
Summary
Carex angustata, commonly known as Widefruit Sedge, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to moist habitats such as wet meadows, marshes, and streambanks in the western United States, including regions from Washington and Idaho to California. It typically grows up to 3 feet in height and features narrow, rough leaves that contribute to its grass-like appearance. The plant produces distinctive inflorescences with separate pistillate (female) and staminate (male) spikes. The fruit is enclosed in a sac called a perigynium, which is a characteristic feature of sedges.
Widefruit Sedge is valued for its ability to stabilize soil and prevent erosion in wetland restoration projects. It is also used in rain gardens and as a component of native plant landscaping, providing habitat and food for wildlife. In cultivation, Carex angustata prefers consistently moist to wet soils and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to part shade. It is relatively low-maintenance and does not require fertilization or frequent mowing. However, it can spread aggressively in ideal conditions, so gardeners should consider this when planting.CC BY-SA 4.0
Widefruit Sedge is valued for its ability to stabilize soil and prevent erosion in wetland restoration projects. It is also used in rain gardens and as a component of native plant landscaping, providing habitat and food for wildlife. In cultivation, Carex angustata prefers consistently moist to wet soils and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to part shade. It is relatively low-maintenance and does not require fertilization or frequent mowing. However, it can spread aggressively in ideal conditions, so gardeners should consider this when planting.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Grass
- Height: 1-2 feet
- Width: 1-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Drainage: Standing
Common Uses
Erosion Control, Low Maintenance, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Moist habitats such as wet meadows, marshes, and streambanks
Other Names
Common Names: Narrowleaf Sedge, Common Meadow Sedge
Scientific Names: Carex angustata, Carex acuta var. erecta, Carex angustata var. strictior, Carex auriculata, Carex egregia, Carex eurycarpa, Carex eurycarpa var. attenuata, Carex eurycarpa var. oxycarpa, Carex oxycarpa
GBIF Accepted Name: Carex angustata