Carex bicknellii – Copper-shouldered Oval Sedge – 3 Quart

While most of our local native sedges prefer shady woodland environments, there are some that do well in lots of sun. This is one of them, being a common sedge in mid-western prairies. The species has a bit of a strange distribution – in addition to prairies it’s found in northeastern North America, but not much in between. It’s considered rare in New York, being found mostly in the Albany Pine Bush area and southeastern parts of the state where it inhabits rocky summits, woodlands, thickets, pine forests, roadsides, and railroad rights-of-way. Typically grows in dry rocky or sandy soils mostly in open habitats, but can also tolerate moist soils making it a good candidate for a rain garden. Seed heads are ornamental and a valuable food for birds.