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Questions and Answers: 2017

Question: I am seeking a native sedge to help stabilize a hillside after a tornado in Concord MA in August 2016. …

• Question

  I am seeking a native sedge to help stabilize a hillside after a tornado in Concord MA in August 2016. The south facing kame hillside was formerly shady but is now partially sunny and dry. The hillside includes 1840-50s garden terraces sculpted by Bronson Alcott. I am imagining a soft carpet of woodland sedge to accentuate the terraces which are now vulnerable to erosion due to loss of tree cover. Can you recommend a species and seed source?

  Answer

  Dear Margie, A native sedge would be a wonderful way to help stabilize a bank; however, finding a source for the seeds or seedlings may not be easy. Carex pensylvanica (Pennsylvania sedge) would be a good choice because it is common and colonial (i.e., forms extensive colonies by rhizome growth). If you can't find a source for this, email me at ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org and I will see if I can help you further.