Water Sedge (Carex aquatilis)
KARE-ex aquatilis

Deciduous Perennial in the Cyperaceae Family
 
Buy Water Sedge
Size Notes Price Availability
38 Flat Field $100.13 Likely available
2/6 - 2/16
4/3 - 4/6
5/1 - 5/4

Teaser Water-loving sedge with smooth green culms, dark spikes; flower-heads June through August. Spreads by rhizomes; clump forming.

Carex aquatilis is a versatile, water-loving sedge species native to North America. This clump-forming perennial grows 1-3 feet tall, forming dense stands with its lush, blue-green leaf blades. The flowers of Water Sedge emerge as distinctive, elongated spikes in shades of green, brown, or black depending on the maturity.

Carex aquatilis thrives in consistently moist to wet growing conditions, making it well-suited for planting along pond/stream edges, in rain gardens, or in other wetland areas. Its rhizomatous growth habit allows it to spread and form large colonies over time. Water Sedge also tolerates partial shade, though it prefers full sun exposure.

Valued for its ability to stabilize soils, filter water, and provide food/habitat for wildlife, Carex aquatilis is a versatile and ecologically-beneficial sedge for water-side plantings and water-wise gardens. Its low-maintenance nature and attractive foliage also make it a nice choice for decorative wetland-style landscapes.

 

Plant Data

Mature Size 18 - 24 inches tall. 18 - 24 inches wide.
Sun Exposure Full Sun - Full Shade
Moisture Tolerance Medium - Wet
Zones 2a - 9b (Usually hardy to -50° F)
Tags Deciduous, Deer Resistant, Full Shade, Full Sun, Grasses, Medium, Perennial, Rabbit Resistant, Wet, Wet Site Tolerant
Flower Color Green
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Pricing and Availability History

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Limited Availability

We try very hard to source exactly what you’d like, but sometimes growers run out of plants! While this variety is a great deal at the price shown, we know that it has limited availability. If you want the plant even if it might be more expensive, or in a different size or quantity -- after you place your order, just send us a quick note at help@northshoreplantclub.com. Then, we’ll try to get you some version of this from one of our growers. And if we can’t get it from anywhere, of course, we’ll send a refund!


Field-Grown vs. Greenhouse-Grown Plants

Plants which are well-adapted to our local climate are most often field-grown (outside). Field-grown plants are generally cheaper and have the advantage of already somewhat acclimated to our cold winters, but that means they’re not artificially far along in the spring and tend to bloom at the normal time in our area.

Spring annuals and tender perennials are typically grown in Greenhouses so they can be ready and luxurious exactly when customers want them. Some perennials are also “forced” into early bloom in greenhouses. In May, there can be a very big difference between field-grown and greenhouse-grown plants of the same type. The latter typically look good right away (so they’re a great choice where that’s important), but we typically pay a premium for it.


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No Pricing or Availability Right Now

We order from a rotating cast of the best nurseries in the Great Lakes region. It looks like we've offered this plant in the past, but the nurseries we're working with this week don't appear to have it in stock at the moment.

Our goal is to bring as many plants together under "one roof" as possible, so we'll try hard to make it available again in the future!