What hardiness zones is Carex crinita suitable for?

Carex crinita is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.

What are the sun requirements for Carex crinita?

Carex crinita requires Part Shade.

How much water does Carex crinita need?

Carex crinita has High water needs.

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Grasses

Carex crinita

Fringed Sedge

Cyperaceae

Eastern North America — from Newfoundland south to Florida and west to Minnesota, in swamps, streambanks, and wet meadows

At a Glance

TypeSedge

HabitClumping

FoliageDeciduous

Height24-48 inches (60-120 cm)

Width18-24 inches (45-60 cm)

Maturity2 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3 - 8

Zone 3 Zone 4 Zone 5 Zone 6 Zone 7 Zone 8

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

What's my zone? →

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Deer Resistant

Native to North America

Maintenancevery low

Overview

Carex crinita is fringed sedge — a tall vigorous native wet-soil sedge growing 24–48 inches (60–120 cm) tall and 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) wide. The species name 'crinita' means 'long-haired' or 'fringed', describing the long-awned perigynia that create the fringed, hairy appearance of the seed heads. Long drooping catkin-like spikelets 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) hang gracefully from arching stems — the most ornamental seed display of any native wet-soil sedge. The drooping spikelets sway in breeze, adding movement. Wide medium green arching leaves create a substantial clump. Thrives in wet to waterlogged conditions — swamps, streambanks, pond margins, and rain gardens. Tolerates standing water. One of the tallest and most vigorous native sedges. Clumping habit. Hardy to zone 3. Deer avoid sedge foliage.

Native Range

Carex crinita is native to eastern North America — from Newfoundland south to Florida and west to Minnesota.

Suggested Uses

Used in rain gardens, streambanks, pond margins, wet meadows, and bioswales. The most ornamental wet-soil native sedge. The drooping spikelets add movement and grace to wet-site plantings.

How to Identify

Identified by long drooping catkin-like fringed spikelets on a tall (24–48 inches / 60–120 cm) vigorous clump in wet conditions. The drooping, fringed seed heads are the species signature — the most ornamental of any wet-soil native sedge. Wide arching leaves.