Carex densa

Dense sedge is a short clump forming evergreen sedge, 12-30" tall. with large, compact flower clusters. It is and important food source for waterfowl, songbirds, beavers, and deer. This species is excellent for erosion control and stabilizing stream and pond banks. The rhizomes form a thick mass, trapping sediment and slowing the flow of water. It is very tolerant of fluctuating water levels. The flowering stalks are remarkably long lived - from April to September. Moreover, the plant itself provides color all year, never turning brown, even in the driest spells. Birds will eat the seeds and use grass fibers for nesting material. Historically, people used the fibrous roots for basket weaving. Found in meadows, slopes. Communitites located in Northern Coastal Scrub, Yellow Pine/Mixed Evergreen Forest, Foothill Woodland, Coastal Prairie, Valley Grassland, Northern Juniper Woodland, wetland-riparian Between 0 and 4800 feet.

Dense, tufted, evergreen grass with flat, arching blades. Deer resistant. Pacific Northwest wetland native. Dense Sedge requires moist to wet soils. Ideal choice for rain gardens, boggy soils and soil stabilization for wet ground.