Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Carex comosa is a species of sedge known by the common name longhair sedge. It is native to North America, where it grows in western and eastern regions of Canada and the United States, and parts of Mexico. It grows in wet places, including meadows and many types of wetlands. Tolerates deeper water than most common species and is good for retention basins. This sedge produces clumps of triangular stems up to 100 or 120 centimeters tall from short rhizomes. The flower cluster is up to 35 centimeters long and has a long leaf which is longer than the spikes. It is a cluster of several cylindrical spikes. The scales over the fruits taper into long, thin awns.

Plant type

Grass

Size

3 - 5 ft Tall

Form

Upright

Growth rate

Slow

Calscape icon
Color

Green

Flowering season

Summer

Special uses

Containers

Sun

Full Sun

Soil description

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

Site type

Wet places

Plant communities

Freshwater Marsh, Wetland-Riparian

Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

0 confirmed and 4 likely

Confirmed Likely

American Ear Moth

Amphipoea americana

Common Ringlet

Coenonympha tullia

Olive Green Cutworm Moth

Dargida procinctus

Umber Skipper

Poanes melane