Also known as Bear Sedge · Clustered Sedge · Narrow Sedge
Northern clustered sedge (Carex arcta) is a clump-forming perennial grass-like plant found in wet meadows, marshes, and shores across North America and Eurasia.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Partial Shade to Full Sun
50% intensity
Tolerates a range of light conditions, but performs best in partial shade or areas with morning sun and afternoon shade.
Consistent Moisture
75% intensity
Prefers consistently moist soil; avoid drying out completely.
Clay, Loam, Sand, Silicate
50% intensity
Cool to Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers cooler temperatures and can tolerate moderate heat if kept consistently moist.
Light Feeding
25% intensity
Requires minimal fertilization; a light application in spring is usually sufficient.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Northern clustered sedge thrives in consistently moist soil. Water regularly, especially during dry spells, ensuring the soil does not completely dry out.
Aim to keep the substrate damp but not waterlogged to prevent root rot. In containers, this means more frequent watering than in the ground.
Pruning is minimal for northern clustered sedge. Remove any dead or damaged foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. This tidies up the plant and encourages vigorous new shoots.
Avoid cutting back too hard as this may reduce its natural aesthetic.
Propagation is typically done by division in early spring. Carefully dig up the clump and divide it into smaller sections, ensuring each section has viable roots and shoots.
Replant the divisions immediately into moist soil. Seed propagation is also possible but may be slower.
Repot container-grown northern clustered sedge every 2-3 years, or when it becomes root-bound. The best time for repotting is early spring.
Use a pot that is slightly larger than the current one and fresh, well-draining potting mix. Water thoroughly after repotting.
Identify plants like this with ePlant AI
Snap a photo to get care tips and match similar species on the go.
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Northern Clustered Sedge (Carex arcta)
Where Northern Clustered Sedge (Carex arcta) is found
Density
Tap map to explore
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Cyperaceae |
| Genus | Carex |
| Species | Carex arcta |
Similar in genus Carex
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
