Wool Grass (Scirpus cyperinus)
An attractive wetland sedge with graceful arching foliage and distinctive woolly brown seed heads that provide outstanding fall and winter interest. This important native grass-like plant forms dense clumps that excel at erosion control while creating valuable habitat for marsh-dwelling wildlife.
Native range: Throughout most of eastern North America, from southeastern Canada to the Gulf Coast states
Size: 3-6 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide, space 2-3 feet apart
Growing conditions: Full sun to partial shade, wet to medium-wet soils; thrives in muddy, sandy, or gravelly conditions
Bloom period: Late summer, with showy woolly seed heads developing August through October
Wildlife value: Provides food and cover for waterfowl and marsh birds; supports various beetles, moths including Lost Owlet, and skipper butterflies; seeds eaten by waterfowl and songbirds; excellent nesting material
Garden benefits: Outstanding for rain gardens and pond edges, excellent erosion control, low maintenance, attractive winter interest, naturalizes by rhizomes, handles both wet and periodically dry conditions
An attractive wetland sedge with graceful arching foliage and distinctive woolly brown seed heads that provide outstanding fall and winter interest. This important native grass-like plant forms dense clumps that excel at erosion control while creating valuable habitat for marsh-dwelling wildlife.
Native range: Throughout most of eastern North America, from southeastern Canada to the Gulf Coast states
Size: 3-6 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide, space 2-3 feet apart
Growing conditions: Full sun to partial shade, wet to medium-wet soils; thrives in muddy, sandy, or gravelly conditions
Bloom period: Late summer, with showy woolly seed heads developing August through October
Wildlife value: Provides food and cover for waterfowl and marsh birds; supports various beetles, moths including Lost Owlet, and skipper butterflies; seeds eaten by waterfowl and songbirds; excellent nesting material
Garden benefits: Outstanding for rain gardens and pond edges, excellent erosion control, low maintenance, attractive winter interest, naturalizes by rhizomes, handles both wet and periodically dry conditions