Carex crinita aka Fringed Sedge

Carex crinita, or fringed sedge, is in the sedge family, Cyperaceae. It also goes by caterpillar sedge and sickle grass. Its native range spans central and eastern Canada and the United States. It grows in temperate zones, but is not native to Britain or Ireland. This plant lives for many years and forms dense, leafy clumps. It spreads through short, creeping rhizomes, or underground stems.

Its evergreen leaves form upright clumps known as tussocks. Leafy stems reach 2–3 feet [0.61–0.91 metres] tall. Each clump grows 1–2 feet [0.30–0.61 metres] wide. Flower stems can arch above the leaves to 4 feet [1.22 metres]. The medium-green leaves are flat and strap-like, with rough edges. They reach about 1.3 feet [0.40 metres] long. Each leaf can be about 0.04 feet [0.013 metres] wide. The dense leaves give the plant much of its garden appeal.

Green flowers hang in small spikes called spikelets. These grow at the tips of the flower stems. Each flower head has one or two male spikelets. It also bears two to six female spikelets. Male spikelets reach about 0.17 feet [0.05 metres] long. Female spikelets can grow to twice that length. Missouri Botanical Garden lists blooms from May to June. Chicago Botanic Garden also lists blooms in July and August. In garden beds, the leaves draw more notice than the flowers.

Grow this sedge in full sun or part shade. It can also cope with more shade. It grows well in moist to wet soil, including shallow standing water. It grows beside ponds and streams. It also grows on ground that floods at certain times of year. Sites with moderate soil moisture can suit it, too. Missouri Botanical Garden lists it for USDA zones 3–8. The plant needs little upkeep and is easy to grow. Its rhizomes let clumps spread into larger groups over time.

Plant it in groups in rain gardens, wet hollows, or along water edges. Gardeners can also use it as an accent or border plant. Its growth helps curb soil loss, and it tolerates deer. The plant draws birds. Missouri Botanical Garden reports no serious insect or disease problems. Choose a site with room for the plant to spread. The supplied sources do not establish edible uses or toxicity.