Carex frankii aka Frank's Sedge

Carex frankii is a sedge in the Cyperaceae family. It is a perennial, so it lives for years. People call it Frank's sedge or bristly cattail sedge. It comes from eastern and central North America, including the Midwest. It grows in many kinds of wet ground in Missouri. These sites include swamps, wet meadows, and wet prairies. It also grows by rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds. These sites help explain its need for moist or wet garden soil.

The plant forms a mound of thin, grass-like leaves. It grows about 2 feet [0.61 metres] tall and wide. Its leaves can reach 2 feet [0.61 metres] in height. Each blade grows up to one-third inch across. The mound suits sites that need low leaf growth. Its green flowers make little show on their own. Thin seed heads look like thimbles among the leaves. Their shape adds a distinct detail to the plant.

Missouri Botanical Garden lists its bloom time as May through September. Chicago Botanic Garden gives a longer span: May into October. Both say it blooms past spring and into summer. Waterfowl eat its seeds, which adds value near water. Its leaves and shape count more for show than its flowers. The seed heads also set this sedge apart. They give it a look unlike plants grown chiefly for bright blooms.

Grow Frank's sedge in full sun or part shade. It does best in soil that stays wet. Both gardens list USDA hardiness zones 5–8 for this plant. Missouri Botanical Garden says it needs little care. Sites by water gardens or streams meet its need for moist soil. It also suits rain gardens and moist meadow plantings. It can help start a native plant bed in shaded woods. Choose a site that gives it moisture, not dry ground.

This sedge copes with wet soil and resists deer damage. Missouri Botanical Garden says it also resists erosion, or soil loss. Its leaves may look less pleasing in summer. Extra water may help the leaves keep their looks. Bear this in mind where leaves make the main show. The sources do not assess whether people can eat it. Nor do they assess whether it is toxic. Waterfowl eat the seeds, but that does not prove safety for people or pets.