Slough Sedge

Slough sedge (Carex obnupta) is a robust evergreen sedge of Pacific Coast wetlands, riversides and swamps. It spreads by rhizomes into dense stands, with upright stems and drooping brown-purple flower spikes. ## Landscape use Use it on wet streambanks, in a rain garden’s saturated zone, or in a restoration planting where erosion control and dense cover are useful. The [University of Washington Bothell wetland profile](https://www.uwb.edu/wetland/plants/carex-obnupta) describes slough sedge as a 2–4 foot plant of coastal wetlands and river margins; the [USDA NRCS guide](https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/pg_caob3.pdf) covers its use in wetland restoration and rhizomatous spread. ## Size and siting Allow for a substantial clump, commonly 2–4 feet tall. Plant in consistently wet or saturated soil in sun to shade. It is associated with coastal marshes and can tolerate brackish conditions where fresh and salt water meet. ## Maintenance Water reliably during establishment and maintain moist soil thereafter. Its rhizomes form dense colonies, so give it a defined wet area where spread is appropriate. Flowering is reported from April through July. The foliage is evergreen in its regional habitat, providing structure during the cool season; old leaves can be removed as needed.