Porcupine Sedge

Porcupine Sedge
Carex hystericina

A robust native wetland sedge known for its distinctive bottlebrush-like seed heads and upright clumps of bright green foliage. The spiky seed clusters appear in late spring to early summer and persist through the season, adding strong texture and visual interest to wetland plantings. This adaptable species thrives in consistently moist soils and is commonly found along marshes, wet meadows, streambanks, and pond edges.

Bottlebrush Sedge spreads gradually and forms dense clumps that help stabilize soils and support wildlife in wet habitats.

Growing Conditions

• Height: 2–4 ft
• Spread: Clumping, slowly forming colonies
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Soil: Moist to wet soils; tolerates clay, loam, and organic soils
• Hardiness: Zone 3–8
• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
• Tolerates seasonal flooding
• Deer resistant

Ideal for wetland restoration, rain gardens, bioswales, pond margins, and low-lying meadow plantings. Excellent for erosion control along water edges.

Ecological Value

• Provides shelter and nesting habitat for birds, amphibians, and insects
• Supports beneficial insects and wetland biodiversity
• Stabilizes soils in saturated areas
• Adds strong vertical structure and seasonal interest to native wetland plant communities

Larval Host Plant For
Caterpillars of several native sedge-feeding moth species.

Companion Species

• Blue Flag Iris (Iris versicolor)
• Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)
• Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium maculatum)
• Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum)
• Fox Sedge (Carex vulpinoidea)
• Canada Wild Rye (Elymus canadensis)
• Dark Green Bulrush (Scirpus atrovirens)

Planting to Protect
Restoring to Thrive
Origin Native Plants

3.5 inch Pots