Bowles Golden Sedge

European tussock sedge (Carex elata, Cyperaceae) is a medium-growth grass-like perennial from Europe to central Asia and northern Africa, reaching 1 to 3 feet tall and wide. It forms distinctive tussocks in wetland habitats including marshes, fens, wet woods, and shallow water margins. Flowering spikes appear from May to June. The cultivar 'Aurea' (Bowles' Golden Sedge) is the form most commonly grown, with bright gold foliage edged in green.

European tussock sedge grows in sun to part shade on acidic soils (pH below 6.0) that are frequently wet to moist, tolerating standing water and occasional flooding, hardy in Zones 5a to 9b. It accepts clay, loam, sand, and shallow rocky substrates. The plant is resistant to deer browse and useful for erosion control. Maintenance is low. No serious pest or disease issues are documented. The cultivar 'Aurea' can reach 4 to 5 feet and attracts butterflies.