Carex utriculata aka Northwest Territory Sedge

Carex utriculata is a perennial sedge in the Cyperaceae family. Its common names include Northwest territory sedge. Kew records a wide native range across North America into northeastern Mexico. Its range also spans northern and east-central Europe to Japan. It grows in temperate regions and is not native to Britain or Ireland. In North America, it occurs across much of Canada and the United States.

This sedge reaches about 4 feet (1.2 metres) tall. It can grow from rhizomes, which are stems beneath the soil. Wild plants grow in marshes, swamps, wet thickets, and sedge meadows. They also occur in bogs, fens, and along streams and lakes. Its habitats extend from sea level to about 11,480 feet (3,500 metres). These records place it in a broad range of wet sites.

Each plant bears both male and female flowers. The flowers are separate, rather than combining both sexes within each bloom. Wind carries the pollen between flowers. Seeds ripen from July to August. The supplied sources do not give a flowering season. They also provide no species-level detail on leaf shape or flower colour.

Wet ground suits this plant, and it can grow in water. It accepts sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It also tolerates mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline conditions. Grow it in full sun or partial shade. Pond edges and bog gardens match its moisture needs. PFAF suggests that its native range points to outdoor hardiness across much of Britain. However, that source does not confirm a hardiness rating. Its wider care notes draw on the genus, not this species alone.

Seeds can be sown in moist soil during spring. PFAF reports germination within two to six weeks at 15°C. Spring division offers another way to raise plants. Larger divisions can go straight into their final sites. Grow smaller pieces in pots until their roots establish. Plant these out in summer or the following spring.

PFAF lists the roots, seeds, and stems as edible parts. The stem pith has a sweet taste, raw or cooked. Roots and swollen stem bases are eaten cooked. The small seeds take effort to handle. PFAF reports no known hazards, but gives no specific pet-safety assessment. It lists no known medicinal or other uses.