Big-Leaf Sedge

Carex amplifolia

a specimen showing leaf and inflorescence

Photo Credit: Hurd, E.G., N.L. Shaw, J. Mastrogiuseppe, L.C. Smithman, and S. Goodrich.

Plant Description

Big-leaf sedge is a wide-leaved sedge that grows along streamsides and other wet areas in woodlands. It is shade tolerant, growing to 1-3′ tall. The rhizomatous plants form colonies that help to stabilize soils and protect water quality.

Plant Details

Life Forms	Grass or Grass-like
Habitats	Bottomland forests Conifer forests Ditches Emergent Floodplains Forest edges Forest openings Forests Gravel bars Lakes Marshes Mixed hardwood-conifer forests Ponds Riparian areas Riparian forests Rivers Seeps Streams Swamps Waterways Wet prairies Wetlands Woodlands
Soil and Moisture Conditions	Acidic soil Moist to wet Poorly drained Seasonally flooded soil
Special Uses	Erosion control Good for shady woodland garden Good groundcover Herbaceous Perennial Provides soil stabilization Provides wildlife habitat Restoration/revegetation
Shade Preference	Full shade Full sun Part shade
Mature Height	3'