Carex frankii, or Frank’s Sedge, is a hardy native perennial that enhances Illinois landscapes with its attractive foliage and ecological benefits. Thriving in wet to mesic soils, it is perfect for rain gardens, wetlands, and pond edges, where it helps prevent erosion and improves water quality. Its distinctive, spiky seed heads provide food for birds, while its dense growth offers shelter for wildlife. With its adaptability, low-maintenance nature, and role in supporting native ecosystems, Frank’s Sedge is a valuable addition to naturalized plantings and habitat restoration projects.
Carex frankii, or Frank’s Sedge, is a hardy native perennial that enhances Illinois landscapes with its attractive foliage and ecological benefits. Thriving in wet to mesic soils, it is perfect for rain gardens, wetlands, and pond edges, where it helps prevent erosion and improves water quality. Its distinctive, spiky seed heads provide food for birds, while its dense growth offers shelter for wildlife. With its adaptability, low-maintenance nature, and role in supporting native ecosystems, Frank’s Sedge is a valuable addition to naturalized plantings and habitat restoration projects.
Bloom: early to mid-summer
Habitats: fens and seeps; low areas along rivers and ponds; openings in floodplain woodlands; wet dolomite prairies; roadside ditches; sedge meadows; sloughs
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: wet to moist
Plant type (height): sedge (1 to 2 feet)
Requirements: full sun to partial sun
Soil: fertile soil that is loamy or silty
