Carex intumescens (En: carex gonflé | En: Bladder sedge)

Bladder Sedge

Carex intumescens
Alternative names: Swollen Sedge, Inflated Sedge
French: Carex gonflé

Bladder Sedge is a clump-forming native sedge with bright green leaves and puffy, rounded seed heads that rise above the foliage in late spring and early summer. These "bladder-like" seed heads are what give the plant its name.

It grows up to 60 cm tall and does well in wet places like pond edges, streambanks, and wetlands. This plant is great for restoration projects and controlling erosion, thanks to its thick root system that helps hold soil in place.

Bladder Sedge also provides important habitat for wildlife, especially wetland birds like ducks, and supports insects and other small creatures. It's a great choice for rain gardens, wetland edges, or low spots in your yard that stay moist.

Height: Up to 60 cm
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
Light: Full sun to part shade
Moisture: Needs moist to wet soil; can handle flooding but not drought
Soil: Grows in sandy, loamy, or clay soil; prefers slightly acidic to neutral
Habitat: Wetlands, streambanks, pond edges
Ecological benefits: Helps prevent erosion, supports birds and insects
Edible: Not edible