Overview
Cyperus strigosus is a clump-forming perennial sedge in the Cyperaceae, reaching 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) tall from a short, knotty rhizome. Like other sedges it has solid, three-angled (triangular) stems, a trait that separates it from grasses with their rounded, hollow stems. The leaves are grass-like, 0.1-0.3 inch (3-8 mm) wide and often shorter than the flowering stems, pale to medium green. In mid- to late summer the stems are topped by an open cluster of slender, straw-yellow spikelets arranged in dense, cylindrical spikes that radiate from a common point, subtended by several leaf-like bracts. The spikelets dry to a pale tan that persists into autumn and gives the plant its common name. It grows along stream banks, pond margins, ditches, wet meadows, and seasonally flooded ground, spreading by seed and short rhizomes to form colonies. Plants tolerate periodic flooding and saturated soil but also persist in ordinary garden soil that stays moist. In drier sites growth is shorter and clumps are sparser. The species can self-sow freely where bare, damp soil is available, and seedlings may appear in unwanted spots.
Native Range
Native across much of North America, from southern Canada through the eastern and central United States to the Southwest and parts of the West Coast. It occurs naturally in wetlands, along watercourses, and in seasonally wet, disturbed ground.Suggested Uses
Cyperus strigosus is used along pond and stream margins, in rain gardens, bog gardens, and wetland restorations where its roots help stabilize damp soil. It suits naturalistic plantings and detention basins that hold water seasonally. It is not suited to dry borders.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 3'
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-12 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Cyperus strigosus grows in full sun to part shade on moist to wet soils, including clay, loam, and silty ground along water. It tolerates standing water a few inches deep as well as ordinary garden soil kept consistently damp. Growth is most vigorous in saturated, fertile sites and is reduced where soil dries out. The plant dies back to the rhizome in winter and resprouts in spring. It spreads by seed and short rhizomes and can form broad colonies over time. Dividing clumps in spring controls size and propagates the plant.Pruning
Cut old stems to the ground in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Removing seed heads before they ripen limits self-sowing where spread is not wanted.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons