Pendulous Sedge Carex pendula 

Basic info - Native to Europe and North Africa, Pendulous sedge was introduced to the United States as an attractive ornamental plant. It is quite large, evergreen, and perennial. Its native habitat is damp, nutrient-rich forested areas and wetlands. 

Impacts - Pendulous sage escapes gardens with ease, quickly infiltrating and disrupting ecosystems like forests and riparian areas. Given that it prefers moist soils, it often colonizes lake and riverbanks, edges of creeks, and similar areas, where its seeds readily spread through the waterways. Under ideal conditions, an individual plant has been known to produce more than 20,000 seeds, which in turn can germinate at a rate of more than 90%, contributing to this plant's ability to spread rapidly. 

Identification - This plant's stems have a triangular cross section and can grow up to 6.6 feet tall. These stems then form long, drooping spikes which develop seeds in spring to early summer. It has green leaves which can reach around 50 inches long and just less than an inch wide. 

What can you do to help? - If you've identified some pendulous sedge, or think you might have but aren't sure, you can report your discovery on the EDDMapS (Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System) app or website, or upload an image of it to the iNaturalist app. 

Manual removal is going to require a shovel or other tool to dig up these plants. Removing all of the roots is crucial to prevent new seedlings from reemerging, and monitoring after the initial removal is also necessary to control any seedlings which may remain. Planting desirable native or non-invasive plants to provide competition can also help minimize resprouting. 

Any removed plant material should be burned or bagged and disposed of. Never compost invasive plants!

In terms of native alternatives to Pendulous sedge, there are over 150 species in the same genus that are native to Illinois, so there are plenty of options! Read more about Illinois' native sedges for your landscaping needs here.