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Fringed Sedge
Carex crinita

a.k.a. Caterpillar Sedge

Large, densely clumped perennial that may grow 2-5' as a cool-season, native herb. This species is well suited for a wetland restoration especially in semi-shaded conditions. Due to its bunching habit, this species will look good in all landscape scenarios and serve as a good plant for stabilization areas.

USDA symbol: CACR6

General Information

Plant TypeGrass
Height3 feet
Light ExposureSun, Part Sun, Shade
Soil MoistureMedium
Bloom ColorYellow, Green, Brown
Fringed Sedge (Fringed Sedge<div><em class="small">Carex crinita</em></div>)
Photo credit: Minnesota Wildflowers (Click to enlarge)

Tolerances

Flooding / Inundation ToleranceHigh
General Resilience6
Salt ToleranceNone
Stress ToleranceGeneral Disturbance

Pollinator Value: Low

Bloom MonthsJune to August
Larval Host ofButterflies
Specific Pollinators HostedNumerous butterfly species

Project Planning

Project TypeErosion Control, Rain Garden, Restoration, Sandy or Engineered Soils, Shoreline Buffer
Coefficient of Conservatism8
Herbivore SensitivityMedium
LifespanPerennial
Rate of SpreadSlow
Soil StabilizationShallow
Vegetative ReproductionClonal

Range

CountyAitkin, Carlton, Chisago, Cook, Crow Wing, Goodhue, Itasca, Kanabec, Koochiching, Lake, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Pine, St. Louis, Washington
EcoregionDriftless Area, North Central Hardwood Forests, Northern Lakes and Forests, Northern Minnesota Wetlands, Western Cornbelt Plains
Approximate Eco ProvinceEastern Broadleaf Forest, Laurentian Mixed Forest, Prairie Parkland