Scirpus cyperinus, commonly known as Wool Grass, is a native perennial sedge (not a true grass) found in wetlands, marshes, swamps, wet meadows, and along the edges of ponds and streams throughout Illinois. It thrives in saturated to seasonally wet soils and full sun to partial shade, making it ideal for rain gardens, wetland restorations, and shoreline stabilization.
This tall, clump-forming plant features narrow, grass-like leaves and sturdy stems that can reach 3 to 5 feet in height. In late summer to fall, it produces dense, branched clusters of soft, woolly, brown to reddish-brown spikelets, giving the plant its characteristic “woolly” appearance. These seed heads persist into winter and provide visual interest as well as wildlife habitat.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Scirpus cyperinus is a valuable species for enhancing biodiversity, filtering stormwater, and supporting wetland ecosystems. Its dense root system helps prevent erosion, while its seeds and structure provide food and cover for birds and aquatic wildlife. Wool Grass pairs well with other wetland natives such as Blue Flag, Swamp Milkweed, and soft rush in both functional and ornamental plantings.
Scirpus cyperinus, commonly known as Wool Grass, is a native perennial sedge (not a true grass) found in wetlands, marshes, swamps, wet meadows, and along the edges of ponds and streams throughout Illinois. It thrives in saturated to seasonally wet soils and full sun to partial shade, making it ideal for rain gardens, wetland restorations, and shoreline stabilization.
This tall, clump-forming plant features narrow, grass-like leaves and sturdy stems that can reach 3 to 5 feet in height. In late summer to fall, it produces dense, branched clusters of soft, woolly, brown to reddish-brown spikelets, giving the plant its characteristic “woolly” appearance. These seed heads persist into winter and provide visual interest as well as wildlife habitat.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Scirpus cyperinus is a valuable species for enhancing biodiversity, filtering stormwater, and supporting wetland ecosystems. Its dense root system helps prevent erosion, while its seeds and structure provide food and cover for birds and aquatic wildlife. Wool Grass pairs well with other wetland natives such as Blue Flag, Swamp Milkweed, and soft rush in both functional and ornamental plantings.
Bloom time: late summer to early fall
Habitats: borders of ponds; both sandy and non-sandy wetlands; gravelly seeps; marshes; sedge meadows; sloughs; swamps
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: wet to moist
Plant type (height): sedge (3 to 5 feet)
Requirements: full sun to partial sun
Soil: gravelly; muddy; sandy
