Native to North America, Fringed Sedge is found in bottomland and moist upland prairies, as well as on the shores of streams and ponds. Occurs in disturbed areas, fields, woods, meadows, and marshes in mid North America to the east coast. Carex crinita produces an abundance of hanging seed heads, hence the name Fringed Sedge, and its specific epithet, crinita, indicates it is “long-haired.” It grows in an arching shape and forms elegant clumps. Fringed Sedge is useful for ditches, wet areas, rain gardens, bioswales, native gardens and shoreline stabilization. This native sedge tolerates shade and will grow well in moist-wet soil, and it may adapt to woodland gardens. It also provides food and cover for wildlife. One of our tallest sedges, it grows 3 to 4' tall.