Scirpus cyperinus - Common Wool Sedge

Sizes available: TBD

Basics: zones 4-8, 3-5' x 2-4' (sources are quite variable on height and spread), full to part sun, large showy, drooping compound umbel starts out greenish in late summer and ripens to reddish brown as the season cools, wants it wet and muddy, sandy, or gravelly. This is an obligate wetland species and can grow in 12" of standing water. 

Common names: Common Wool Sedge, Wool Grass, Cottongrass, Teddybear Paws, Marsh Bulrush, Woolgrass, Bulrush

Family: Cyperaceae

Origin/Distribution: Found from Newfoundland west to Saskatchewan and south down the Atlantic seaboard to Florida and east Texas. Native to Maine.

Habitat: Occurs in wet spots such as swamp, pond and marsh edges, sloughs, and wet meadows. 

More: Beautiful in large fall bouquets, larval host, has been used for weaving, muskrats eat the roots. More information coming soon. 

Grasses are important habitat for native bees who use them for nesting material as well as for hibernation and nursery structures. Do not cut your grasses all the way to the ground. If you must, cut back to about knee height and leave the old stems in the clump permanently. The new growth will cover them over in no time and they will eventually rot away. Many bees have a lifecycle longer than one year and need dependable, consistent habitat to complete their journey. This cutting regime is applicable to other perennials with hollow stems, as well: cut back to knee height. It will look as intentional as cutting lower, but offer much richer habitat.

Source: sown at Honey Petal Plants with seed from Toadshade Wildflower Farm

Image credits: First image from Fredlyfish4 via Creative Commons via the North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox; botanical illustration from Wikimedia Commons