Cyperus odoratus, commonly known as Rusty Flatsedge, is a native perennial sedge found in wetlands, marshes, and along the edges of ponds and streams throughout Illinois. It thrives in moist, well-drained soils and prefers full sun to partial shade.
This sedge grows in dense clumps and features long, slender, grass-like leaves with a distinct, sweet fragrance, particularly when the leaves are crushed or brushed. In mid to late summer, it produces clusters of small, star-shaped yellowish-brown flowers that are arranged in umbels at the tips of the stems. Cyperus odoratus typically grows to a height of 0.5 to 2 feet, with an upright, bushy growth habit.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Cyperus odoratus is an excellent choice for wetland restorations, rain gardens, or naturalized landscapes, especially in areas with moist soils. Its fragrant foliage is an added benefit, contributing a pleasing scent to the landscape. The plant provides ecological benefits by supporting wildlife, including providing food and cover for birds and insects. Its fibrous root system helps with erosion control and soil stabilization in wet areas, making it a great addition to streambanks or marshy sites
Cyperus odoratus, commonly known as Rusty Flatsedge, is a native perennial sedge found in wetlands, marshes, and along the edges of ponds and streams throughout Illinois. It thrives in moist, well-drained soils and prefers full sun to partial shade.
This sedge grows in dense clumps and features long, slender, grass-like leaves with a distinct, sweet fragrance, particularly when the leaves are crushed or brushed. In mid to late summer, it produces clusters of small, star-shaped yellowish-brown flowers that are arranged in umbels at the tips of the stems. Cyperus odoratus typically grows to a height of 0.5 to 2 feet, with an upright, bushy growth habit.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Cyperus odoratus is an excellent choice for wetland restorations, rain gardens, or naturalized landscapes, especially in areas with moist soils. Its fragrant foliage is an added benefit, contributing a pleasing scent to the landscape. The plant provides ecological benefits by supporting wildlife, including providing food and cover for birds and insects. Its fibrous root system helps with erosion control and soil stabilization in wet areas, making it a great addition to streambanks or marshy sites
Bloom: mid-summer to early fall
Habitats: damp areas along fields; margins of sloughs; marshes; meridians of highways; mudflats; openings in floodplain woodlands; prairie swales; roadside ditches; sandbars; shorelines along ponds and rivers
Lifespan: annual
Moisture: wet to moist
Plant type (height): sedge (0.5 to 2 feet)
Requirements: full sun to partial sun
Soil: mucky; sandy; silty
