Sandbar Willow vs Water Sedge - TreeTime.ca

Sandbar Willow vs Water Sedge

Salix exigua

Carex aquatilis

CUSTOM GROW

CUSTOM GROW

Sandbar Willow
Water Sedge

Sandbar Willow is a deciduous species native to much of North America. This mid-sized, fast-growing shrub can be found in very wet areas, making it an ideal plan to use in a wet area with erosion risk.

Sandbar Willow has long, narrow green leaves, and its grassy narrow stems give it an attractive, bamboo-like appearance.

All willow are important to native pollinators each spring as they have higher amounts of pollen and nectar early each growing season when other food sources are scarce.

Water Sedge is a waterside grass which grows an extensive horizontal root system. This prevents erosion and allows it to grow back after being eaten.

Water sedge is grazed by many animals including cattle, sheep, horses and waterfowl. Animals choose Water Sedge for forage later in the year as it stays green longer than other plants, requiring you to buy feed for less of the year.

Sandbar Willow Quick Facts

Water Sedge Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 1a
Height: 4 m (13 ft)
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: any
Moisture: wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: medium
Suckering: medium


Foliage: long thin leaves
Flowers: green and brown
Seeds: located within the capsules on the catkins
Seeds: achenes
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, NU, PE
Other Names: leafy tussock sedge