Carex hystericina

Porcupine sedge

More About Porcupine sedge

Cool season clumping wetland grass
Spreads moderately by rhizomes
Deer resistant and drought tolerant

Carex hystericina, Porcupine sedge, is named for its spiky seed head which resembles a porcupine. Porcupine sedge spreads moderately from short rhizomes in full sun to partial shade. Its foliage is light green in color and blooms in early spring. Grows to 1-2’ tall.

Bloom Color

Yellow

Carex hystericina Characteristics & Attributes

Exposure

•	Sun
•	Partial Shade

Mature Height

•

1' - 2'

Spread Characteristics

•

Clumping

Season of Interest (Flowering)

•	Spring
•	Summer

Season of Interest (Foliage)

•

Spring

Pond Zonation

•	Flood Plain - Upland
•	High Marsh - Saturated Soil
•	Low Marsh 0 - 6"

Foliage Color

•

Green

Wildlife Benefits

•	Amphibians
•	Cover
•	Food
•	Nesting
•	Waterfowl

Critter Resistance

•	Deer Resistant

Wetland Indicator Status

•

OBL

Plant Type

•	Bog/Marsh
•	Marginal
•	Sedge

Attributes

•	Bio Remediation
•	Container
•	Drought Tolerant
•	Erosion Control
•	Fibrous Roots
•	Mass Planting
•	Native
•	Naturalizing
•	Rain Garden
•	Storm Water Basin

USDA Hardiness Zone

•	5
•	6
•	7