Tussock Sedge (Carex stricta)

Tussock Sedge (Carex stricta) is a tufted wetland sedge with fountain-like bright green foliage. New leaves grow above retained, straw-colored older leaves, creating a layered appearance. Green spring flowers mature into chocolate-brown seed clusters.

Grow in full sun to part sun and wet soil. Partial sun is preferred. This moisture-loving sedge suits pond edges and water gardens.

Growing details

• Plant type: Wetland ornamental sedge
• Native range: North-central and eastern North America, including the Southeast
• Listed mature height: 3–4 feet
• Mature spread: 1–2 feet
• Spacing: Approximately 1 foot apart
• Hardiness: USDA zones 5–8
• Light: Full sun to part sun; partial sun preferred
• Soil: Wet
• Flowers: Green in spring, followed by chocolate-brown seed clusters
• Foliage: Bright green new leaves above retained straw-colored older foliage
• Habit: Tufted and fountain-like

Care and garden use

This low-maintenance sedge needs a consistently wet planting site.

Use as an accent or in grouped plantings, wet borders, moist woodland gardens, wildlife gardens, naturalized areas, pond and stream edges, water gardens, or containers managed to maintain wet soil. Pair with wool grass, monkey flower, or goldenrod where growing conditions suit each plant.

Image credits: Frank Mayfield, Carex stricta COMMON TUSSOCK SEDGE; (2) gmayfield10, Carex stricta, CC BY-SA 2.0; (3) Patrick Alexander, Along a tributary of Casias Creek. Plants naturally vary in appearance and may differ from the images shown.