This sedge grows in well-defined bunches (B). Flowering stems are 1-3 feet tall and sharply triangular, often with narrow wings that are very soft, compressible and easily bent (A,B,C). Spikes are all alike with male flowers at the top (D,E), the males becoming very inconspicuous after flowering (F,G). For example, in photo (G) about the only remaining evidence of male flowers are the pale, papery scales at the very tip of the spike. The numerous leaves up to 18 inches long and 1/3 inch wide have loose, often wrinkled and easily torn sheaths. Mature perigynia are oval with a relatively short beak (H).
Moist bottomland woods and prairies, ditches, riverbanks. Soft Fox Sedge is uncommon in Fontenelle Forest along Hidden Lake and Redbud Trails. It has not been seen at Neale Woods. Flowering occurs in early to mid-May with perigynia persisting into June.
Sawbeak Sedge (Carex stipata) also has soft, winged stems, but perigynia have longer beaks and prominent linear markings (nerves). It prefers moister habitats along Stream Trail and the marshy area at the Handsome Hollow entrance. To date, it has not been found in the slightly drier habitats along Hidden Lake Trail favored by Soft Fox Sedge. Our other sedges with male flowers at the top and spikes that are all alike do not have winged or spongy stems.
The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Neal Ratzlaff.