Facts on the Porcupine Sedge

Name and Family

• The porcupine sedge (Carex hystericina) is also called the bottlebrush sedge, thanks to its resemblance to the cleaning tool. The plant is from the Cyperaceae family, which includes bulrushes and cottongrass, as well as other sedge plants. The plant occurs naturally throughout the United States, except in Nevada, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida and the Carolinas.

Description

• The porcupine sedge creates a long, thin stem from which sprout brushlike growths. Each leaf growing from the stem is between 5 and 10 inches long with smooth upper surfaces and rough lower surfaces. Each bristle-brush growth reaches about 2 inches long and is soft to the touch. The plant's tip, known as the staminate, turns brown after sprouting. This does not mark the plant's death but after reaching its full height, the rest of the growth will occur outwards.

Where It's Found

• Porcupine sedge grows best in wet areas, which is why it sprouts even in wild areas around streams, ponds, creeks and rivers. It grows best in fertile soil containing some loam, sand or rocks. It does not grow well in compact soil. The plant tolerates a few days of flooding without negative damage. It grows best in full-to-partial sunlight, at least four hours of direct sun daily. It also sprouts in drainage ditches along the sides of roads, since rainwater collects in these ditches.

Other Information

• Porcupine sedge blooms from late spring to midsummer, generally from May to July or August in most areas of the country. Because of its prevalence as a wildflower in many areas of the country, leaf beetles, grasshoppers, caterpillars, moths and a variety of birds, such as ducks and geese, use a steady supply of porcupine sedge for their diets. The plant is protected in three states. It is considered a historical plant in Kentucky, a sensitive plant in Washington and an endangered plant in Maryland.