For successful seedlings,
see the growing notes at the bottom of the page!

Fox sedge (Carex vulpinoidea) is a perennial plant forming dense tufts up to 100 cm tall. Its slender, upright, light green stems bear narrow, flexible leaves that often reach the same height as the flowering stalks. The elongated, dense inflorescence takes the shape of a cylindrical, greenish-brown spike made up of many small, tightly packed spikelets that give it a bristly appearance, resembling a fox’s tail — hence its name. In late summer, the spikes turn brown and take on a characteristic golden hue.

In Quebec, fox sedge grows in open wet habitats such as ditches, riverbanks, floodplain meadows, and marshes. It prefers rich, loamy or clay soils that are moist to waterlogged and tolerates temporary flooding. Common in riparian zones, it establishes quickly in disturbed sites where the soil remains moist.

Sociability index: 3 to 4 → Indicates the plant’s behaviour in space and its interactions with other plants.

Ecological roles
Fox sedge actively contributes to the stabilization of wet soils and the filtration of runoff water. Its fibrous roots reduce erosion and trap sediments. It provides essential habitat for a wide variety of aquatic and semi-aquatic invertebrates, and its dense tufts offer shelter to small amphibians and marsh birds. Its seeds are also eaten by several species of waterfowl and seed-eating birds.

Fox sedge seeds require cold stratification to ensure germination. See the cultivation notes below for more details.

Akène cannot assume any responsibility for the use of plants for therapeutic purposes. Always seek advice from a professional before using a medicinal or edible plant.