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New England hair sedge

How to identify New England hair sedge (Carex comans)

New England hair sedge, also known as Mop-headed sedge, Sedge

New England hair sedge is characterized by its distinctive weeping clump form, reaching heights and widths of approximately 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 cm). This sedge features exceedingly fine, hair-like leaves, providing a unique textured appearance akin to a fibrous mop. The foliage's resemblance to a head of hair is reflected in its specific epithet. The stems bear the genus's hallmark sharp triangular edges which can be discerned upon closer examination.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify New England hair sedge

1

Weeping clump form, 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) tall and wide.

2

Hair-like, fine leaves resembling a fibrous mop.

3

Triangular stem edges, smooth and pale green.

4

Sharp-margined, narrow leaves up to 12 inches (30 cm) long.

5

Male and female flowers under 0.5 inches (1.25 cm), arranged in terminal and lateral spikes.

New England hair sedgeNew England hair sedgeNew England hair sedgeNew England hair sedgeNew England hair sedge

Detailed Traits of New England hair sedge

Leaf Features

The leaves of new England hair sedge are sharply margined, very narrow (about 1/16 inch or roughly 1.5 mm wide), and can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) long. They exhibit a range of colors from pale green to bronze, with distinctive brown or purple lower sheaths. The texture of the leaves is smooth, with an overall slender and delicate appearance, making them a unique feature for identification.

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Flower Features

New England hair sedge blooms from late spring to early summer. The male flowers are situated at the tips of the plant in terminal spikes, while the female flowers are found in lateral spikes. The flowers themselves are quite small and insignificant, lacking a noticeable scent or striking petal arrangement. The male and female flowers typically measure under 0.5 inches (1.25 cm) in size. Despite their minimal appearance, these flowers are key identifiers during the blooming period.

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Stem Features

The stem of new England hair sedge is triangular in cross-section and typically slender, with dimensions averaging around 0.08–0.12 inches (2–3 mm) wide. Its surface is smooth and glabrous, exhibiting a pale green hue that may transition to a straw color with age. The stem is generally unbranched, maintaining a consistent thickness throughout its length. This sturdy yet flexible structure allows the plant to thrive in various environments, providing structural support to the tufted foliage.

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New England hair sedge and Their Similar Plants

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Striped weeping sedge vs. New England hair sedge: What's The Difference?
With multiple cultivars, including at least one that has won the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit, striped weeping sedge is popular in temperate gardens. Its leaves are slightly iridescent, creating a shimmering effect as the wind moves its leaves.
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Morrow's sedge vs. New England hair sedge: What's The Difference?
The morrow's sedge is an attractive grass that provides an accent to woodland or rock gardens. The leaves are richer in color when the plant is under the shade of medium-sized shrubs and trees. Its scientific name is Carex morrowii and its common name is a tribute to Dr. James Morrow who collected the plant in Japan in 1853-1854.
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Wood sedge vs. New England hair sedge: What's The Difference?
Wood sedge is a popular ornamental, often used as ground cover in gardens. This evergreen perennial is appreciated because it requires little maintenance. It is thought that the Sámi people of Lapland and neighoring regions once used wood sedge as insulation in their homes.
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Berkeley sedge vs. New England hair sedge: What's The Difference?
Berkeley sedge (Carex tumulicola) is a drought tolerant ornamental grass. It spreads slowly through rhizomes and can grow to about 30 cm tall. This species grows well in shade and is often planted for ground cover.
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Pennsylvania sedge vs. New England hair sedge: What's The Difference?
Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica) is a perennial plant that makes a great ground cover and requires very little maintenance. It blooms in spring with greenish flowers with purple margins. Thrives in partial shade to full shade in dry to moist soil. It provides nesting material for birds and is drought-tolerant once established. It prefers locations with cool summer nights.
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Grassland sedge vs. New England hair sedge: What's The Difference?
Grassland sedge is an evergreen ornamental grass that is liked by gardeners for its drooping foliage. Grassland sedge has a clump-forming nature and flowers during the summer. It is used in cottage gardens and for ground cover. It is naturally found in disturbed lands such as roadsides.
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Gray's Sedge vs. New England hair sedge: What's The Difference?
The genus name of gray's Sedge (Carex grayi) means “cutter” in Latin because the leaves and edges of the stems are so sharp they could cut you. The specific epithet celebrates Asa Gray, who wrote “Gray’s Manual of Botany.” It’s a species that’s indigenous to North America.
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Key Facts About New England hair sedge

Attributes of New England hair sedge
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
30 cm to 61 cm
Spread
30 cm to 60 cm
Leaf Color
Red
Brown
Green
Silver
Flower Color
Brown
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Scientific Classification of New England hair sedge

Family
Sedge
Icon allow
Species
New England hair sedge (Carex comans)
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Distribution Map of New England hair sedge

New England hair sedge, a sedge species, is native to New Zealand. This plant has transcended its original habitat and is now cultivated in various temperate regions across the globe. It thrives in these new areas, though it remains most common within its natural range in Oceania.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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