Cyperus-like Sedge vs Water Arum - TreeTime.ca

Cyperus-like Sedge vs Water Arum

Carex pseudocyperus

Calla palustris

CUSTOM GROW

CUSTOM GROW

Cyperus-like Sedge
Water Arum

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.

Water Arum is a native perennial wetland plant known for its showy white oval sheaths (spathe) that surround a yellow-green, cylindrical flower spike (spadix). It has large, oblong, heart-shaped leaves on stems that rise above the water from shallow, spreading rhizomes. The blossoms are followed in late summer by tiny, pear-shaped fruits that ripen to bright red, adding ornamental interest to wet habitats.

Water Arum provides food for birds and small mammals that eat its berries, and its flowers attract pollinators. It can tolerate cold climates and forms colonies in shallow water and saturated soils. It is well-suited for ecological restoration, riparian planting, naturalisation, and habitat projects in wet and shaded environments.

Cyperus-like Sedge Quick Facts

Water Arum Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 1b
Height: 0.8 m (2.5 ft)
Height: 0.2 m (0.8 ft)
Spread: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Spread: 0.2 m (0.8 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: shade, partial shade
Moisture: wet
Moisture: wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: short
Growth form: clump-forming
Growth form: colony-forming
Spreading: rhizomes - low, seed - low
Spreading: rhizomes - medium, seeds - low


Toxicity: toxic if ingested
Flowers: white sheath around and yellow spike
Bloom time: spring to summer
Berries: red, in clusters
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, PE
Other Names: cyperus sedge, cypresslike sedge, false bristly sedge
Other Names: bog arum, swamp lily, wild calla, wild dragon