Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Carex scoparia is a species of sedge known by the common names broom sedge and pointed broom sedge. It should not be confused with the unrelated grass species known as broom sedge, Andropogon virginicus. It is native to much of North America, including the southern half of Canada and most of the continental United States. It is known as an introduced species in New Zealand and parts of Europe. It can be found in many types of wetland habitat, and in generally wet places from meadows to irrigation ditches. Also, adaptable to vary soils and hidrologies. This sedge produces dense clumps of stems 20 centimeters to one meter tall with narrow grasslike leaves up to about 30 centimeters long. The flower cluster is a cluster or open array of several bullet-shaped spikes of flowers. The spikes are light green and age to tan or brown. The fruit is covered in a sac called a perigynium which is light in color.

Plant type

Grass

Size

8 - 30 in Tall

Form

Upright

Growth rate

Moderate

Calscape icon
Color

Green

Flowering season

Spring

Special uses

Containers

Sun

Full Sun

Soil description

Prefers loamy or clay soils. Grows poorly in sandy soils.

Site type

Wet, open places

Plant communities

Sagebrush Scrub, Wetland-Riparian

Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

0 confirmed and 1 likely

Confirmed Likely

Common Ringlet

Coenonympha tullia