Water Sedge vs Sulphur-Flower Buckwheat - TreeTime.ca

Water Sedge vs Sulphur-Flower Buckwheat

Eriogonum umbellatum

Carex aquatilis

CUSTOM GROW

CUSTOM GROW

Sulphur-Flower Buckwheat
Water Sedge

Sulphur-Flower Buckwheat is a native perennial wildflower known for its dense clusters of cream to yellow flowers. The long-lasting blooms persist from late spring into summer, providing an extended nectar source for a variety of pollinators. The flower buds are often red-tinted before opening. As the blooms age, they shift to orange or red, adding seasonal interest and making them well-suited to dried flower arrangements. Its seeds are also eaten by birds, adding to its ecological value.

Depending on climate and conditions, Sulphur-Flower Buckwheat may be evergreen to semi-evergreen, or its foliage may turn red during fall. Its deep roots and spreading growth stabilize rocky or sandy soils, making it useful for erosion control. Exceptionally hardy once established, it requires little care and thrives in challenging environments, making it an excellent choice for pollinator gardens, naturalization, and ecological restoration projects.

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.

Sulphur-Flower Buckwheat Quick Facts

Water Sedge Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 1a
Height: 0.2 m (0.5 ft)
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Spread: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Growth form: upright to spreading, clump-forming
Spreading: seeds - low
Suckering: medium


Foliage: leathery
Foliage: long thin leaves
Fall colour: reddish bronze
Flowers: colour varies, typically white to yellow
Flowers: green and brown
Bloom time: mid spring to mid summer
Seeds: achenes
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


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