Evaluation and Propagation of Carex Species for Use in Rain Gardens

Abstract

A study was conducted to evaluate cyclical flood and drought on the growth of seven sedge species. A second study was conducted to determine if perigynia removal would accelerate germination for four sedge species. Results suggested plains oval sedge (Carex brevior Dewey), yellow fox sedge (C. annectens E.P. Bicknell), and Gray’s sedge (C. grayi Carey) may be planted at any elevation in the rain garden. Sprengel’s sedge (C. sprengelii Dewey ex Spreng) should be planted at higher elevations. Pennsylvania sedge (C. pensylvanica Lam.) should be planted on the highest elevation of the rain garden. Porcupine sedge (C. hystericina Muhl. Ex Willd) and palm sedge (C. muskingumensis Schwein) should be planted in the deepest part of the rain garden. Perigynia removal increased percent germination of yellow fox sedge and reduced time needed to reach 50% germination of yellow fox sedge and porcupine sedge but not palm sedge or plains oval sedge.