Cyperus-like Sedge vs Round-Leaved Sundew - TreeTime.ca

Cyperus-like Sedge vs Round-Leaved Sundew

Carex pseudocyperus

Drosera rotundifolia

CUSTOM GROW

CUSTOM GROW

Cyperus-like Sedge
Round-Leaved Sundew

Cyperus-like Sedge is a native perennial sedge found in wetlands, marshes, swamps, and along shorelines. Classified as an obligate wetland species, it grows in dense clumps that thrive in saturated soils, helping stabilize wet ground and protect shorelines. These colonies also provide cover for wildlife, while the seeds may be eaten by waterfowl and other birds. It is well-suited to wetland restoration, waterside and riparian zone plantings, and naturalization projects.
Its ornamental appeal comes from the contrast between the upright male floral spikes at the top of the stems and the long, drooping female floral spikes that hang below. These seed spikes resemble those of Cyperus species, giving the plant its common name and making it an attractive addition to naturalized plantings.

Round-Leaved Sundew is a native carnivorous plant, easily recognized by its bright green leaves covered in distinctive red, glandular hairs. These hairs secrete a sticky substance that is used to attract, trap, and digest insects. Their carnivorous nature allows them to survive in nutrient-poor, acidic soils where many other plants may struggle to grow.
They produce small white flowers that grow along the top of a slender, leafless stem. They can be found growing in wetlands, most often among sphagnum moss, in consistently moist, acidic soils. It does best in cooler summer climates and is intolerant of shade. Due to its small size, the plant can be difficult to spot in its natural habitat. Round-Leaved Sundew is an indicator of healthy wetland systems and is valued in ecological restoration and conservation projects.

Cyperus-like Sedge Quick Facts

Round-Leaved Sundew Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 3a
Height: 0.8 m (2.5 ft)
Height: 0.1 m (0.2 ft)
Spread: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Spread: 0.1 m (0.4 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: wet
Moisture: wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: slow
Life span: short
Life span: short
Growth form: clump-forming
Growth form: rosette-forming
Spreading: rhizomes - low, seed - low
Spreading: axillary bud plantlets - medium, seeds - low


Foliage: round, green with sticky red tentacles
Fall colour: red to marooon
Flowers: tiny white flowers on long leafless stem
Bloom time: summer
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, PE
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, NU, PE
Other Names: cyperus sedge, cypresslike sedge, false bristly sedge
Other Names: roundleaf sundew