The last of our sedges to flower, this large sedge often grows in the water forming clumps with flowering stems to 4 feet tall and broad leaves up to 3/4 inch wide (A). At the tip of the stem is a single male spike (C). Below are 2-7 female spikes borne on slender stalks which droop or nod when mature (D). The oval-shaped perigynia taper to a prominent beak with two widely spreading teeth resulting in the “fuzzy” look responsible for its common name (E).
Pond and stream margins, often growing in shallow water, wet meadows and bottomland forests. This sedge is rare at Fontenelle Forest where it is found only along North Stream Trail and in the pond just beyond. The largest plant forms a hummock some 3 feet in diameter in the middle of the stream. It has not been seen at Neale Woods. Flowering occurs in May with perigynia persisting into July.
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