Necklace Sedge - Carex projecta
Carex projecta, also known as Necklace Sedge or Spreading Sedge, is a perennial sedge native to Michigan and the U.P.. According to Minnesota Wildflowers, it prefers part shade or shade with moist to wet soil and is often found in forests, thickets, meadows, swamps, swales, shores, river and creek banks. This is a graceful sedge with arching inflorescences.
Once the plant reaches a certain size, it grows a stalk with leaves that resemble palm fronds. Eventually the stalk leans over. Where it touches the ground, a new plant will root and start a new colony. In our experience, this plant grows to about 1 foot, but other sources say it can reach 3'.
As often happens with plants more common in the U.P. than elsewhere in the state, little information is available on specific insects or birds using this sedge. In general, sedges host moth and butterfly larvae. This plant would make a graceful foliage component in a shady rain garden or moist woodland garden.
Page created April 2024