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Carex stricta (Tussock Sedge)
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© Sabine Atteln, some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC) · iNaturalist
Grasses

Carex stricta

Tussock Sedge

Cyperaceae
{Carex stricta} is native to eastern North America — from Nova Scotia south to North Carolina and west to Minnesota — in marshes, wet meadows, and streambanks; the species name 'stricta' means 'upright'

At a Glance

TypeSedge
HabitClumping
FoliageDeciduous
Height24-36 inches (60-90 cm)
Width18-24 inches (45-60 cm)
Maturity3 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3 - 8
Zone 3Zone 4Zone 5Zone 6Zone 7Zone 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 stricta is tussock sedge — the foundation sedge of eastern North American marshes and fens, growing 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) tall and 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) wide. The species name 'stricta' means 'upright'. The defining trait: over years, C. stricta builds elevated tussock mounds — raised pedestals of accumulated roots and dead foliage that rise 6-18 inches (15-45 cm) above the waterline. These tussock mounds are ecologically critical features of eastern marshes, providing elevated microsites where other plants, frogs, turtles, and insects shelter above standing water. The tussock-building habit is specific to this species among commonly available sedges. Medium to dark green narrow stiffly upright foliage. Wet to waterlogged soil — standing water is natural. Hardy to zone 3. The most ecologically important native wetland sedge in eastern North America. Golden-yellow fall color.

Native Range

Carex stricta is native to eastern North America — from Nova Scotia south to North Carolina and west to Minnesota.

Suggested Uses

Used in wetland restoration, marsh creation, rain gardens, and pond margins. The ecologically critical tussock-forming sedge. The foundation species of eastern marshes. The tussock mounds give wildlife habitat.

How to Identify

Identified by the formation of raised tussock mounds (elevated pedestals) in wetland conditions over multiple years. The tussock-building habit is specific to this species. Medium to dark green stiffly upright foliage. Wet-soil/standing water habitat. The foundation marsh sedge.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 3'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

green
brown

Foliage Colors

green
dark green

Fall Foliage Colors

golden yellow

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
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Spring
Spikelets in April and May. The tussock mound formation and the dense green wetland foliage are the functional displays.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Green to brown in slender spikelets

Foliage Description

Medium to dark green narrow stiffly upright to arching

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full SunPartial Shade
Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.0 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclay
Drainagewet

Water & Climate

Water Needs

High

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun to partial shade. Wet to waterlogged soil — standing water is natural. Established tussock mounds should be left intact. Hardy to zone 3.

Pruning

Clean up dead foliage in early spring but leave the accumulated tussock mound structure intact — it is the ecological feature.

Pruning Schedule

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early spring

Maintenance Level

very low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic