Audubon® Native Fox Sedge

A robust, adaptable, steadily spreading Sedge, Fox Sedge is great for covering ground in wet places. This easy-to-grow Fringe will help bind the soil and prevent erosion, give cover to wildlife, and supply nutritious seeds to game birds and songbirds. Birds will also feast on the insects they find among the tufts of Fox Sedge—its foliage hosts caterpillars, aphids, plant bugs, beetles, katydids, grasshoppers, and leafhoppers. This insect protein is vital to many birds’ diets, especially when they are raising their chicks. Plant it alongside streams, ponds, or lakes, where it has room to roam.

Of the more than 600 species of Sedges native to the U.S., Fox Sedge is one of the most successful. It thrives just about anywhere it can find wet soil. Its native range includes all of the southern Canadian provinces and all of the lower 48 states except for one. Sorry, Utah! This cold-hardy (to -40ºF) and rugged plant is often the dominant Sedge in the ecosystems it inhabits. Fox Sedge gets its name from its seedheads. They turn a reddish brown color when they mature, and they look like little fox tails.

One bird that definitely benefits from the presence of Sedge habitat like Fox Sedge is the appropriately named Sedge wren. This small, shy, perky bird nests among Sedge plants at the water’s edge throughout the Midwest. It is quite nomadic and doesn’t often nest in the same area twice. If you don’t see it this year in your Sedges, maybe you’ll see it the next!

Audubon is devoted to protecting birds and the places they need, while Bower & Branch is devoted to the growth of true native trees and plants–no cultivars or hybrids. Together, we strive to unite communities in conservation and inspire individuals to cultivate a better world for birds starting in their own backyards, balconies, or patios. By guiding and recommending trees and plants truly native and beneficial to your region, we can really start to make a difference.

What is the definition of Native?

“In the United States, a native plant is defined as one that was naturally found in a particular area before European colonization. Native plants are the foundation of a region’s biodiversity, providing essential food sources and shelter for birds, especially those threatened by the changing climate. Since native plants are adapted to local precipitation and soil conditions, they generally require less upkeep, therefore helping the environment and saving you time, water, and money.” – The National Audubon Society

Learn how you can help birds in your home and community through Audubon’s Plants for Birds program.

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