Carex aurea, commonly known as Golden Sedge, is a native perennial sedge found in wet meadows, streambanks, and moist prairies throughout Illinois. It thrives in rich, damp soils and prefers full sun to partial shade.
This plant features fine, grass-like foliage and produces small, golden-yellow seed capsules in late spring to early summer, which give it its name. The seeds are an important food source for birds, while its dense growth helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion in wet habitats.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Carex aurea is a beautiful and functional choice for rain gardens, wetland restorations, and moist naturalized landscapes, offering habitat support, soil stabilization, and visual interest.
Carex aurea, commonly known as Golden Sedge, is a native perennial sedge found in wet meadows, streambanks, and moist prairies throughout Illinois. It thrives in rich, damp soils and prefers full sun to partial shade.
This plant features fine, grass-like foliage and produces small, golden-yellow seed capsules in late spring to early summer, which give it its name. The seeds are an important food source for birds, while its dense growth helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion in wet habitats.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Carex aurea is a beautiful and functional choice for rain gardens, wetland restorations, and moist naturalized landscapes, offering habitat support, soil stabilization, and visual interest.
Bloom: late spring
Habitats: hillside seeps and springs; interdunal swales; moist sand prairies and meadows; sandy fens; shallow beach pools
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: wet to moist
Plant type (height): sedge (4 to 18 inches)
Requirements: full sun to partial sun
Soil: rocky or sandy soil that calcareous
