: any of a family (Cyperaceae, the sedge family) of usually tufted monocotyledonous marsh plants differing from the related grasses in having achenes and solid stems
Recent Examples on the WebThis native western sedge is found from the coast to the desert. Dennis Peck, oregonlive, 14 Aug. 2022 That meant that the scientists suddenly knew that horse was munching grasses and sedge at Thistle Creek 765,000 years ago. Ned Rozell, Anchorage Daily News, 13 Aug. 2022 In addition, as more sedge species become listed or disappear, vital habitat for a diverse ecosystem declines. Karl Schneider, The Indianapolis Star, 30 Mar. 2022 Select a sedge or nutsedge control available at your local garden center and follow label instructions. Tom Maccubbin, orlandosentinel.com, 19 June 2021 Coulter also likes mixing swaths of ornamental grass, like blue fescue, with native Salvia, which adds height. Harnish, meanwhile, likes to mix perennial grass Berkeley sedge with ‘Munstead’ English lavender and common yarrow. Deanna Kizis, Sunset Magazine, 20 Jan. 2022 Even so, the decision to cancel a festival that celebrates the natural wonder of sedge warblers, ospreys, redwings and wigeons that are able to take to the skies carbon-free has left many fans crestfallen.Washington Post, 24 Nov. 2021 One of the most upright, shiny and prolific weeds in lawns can be sedge. Tom Maccubbin, orlandosentinel.com, 19 June 2021 Mature oaks tower over verdant fields of clustered sedge and Carolina whipgrass. Rashod Taylor, ProPublica, 14 Oct. 2021 See More
Word History
Etymology
Middle English segge, from Old English secg; akin to Middle High German segge sedge, Old English sagu saw — more at saw
First Known Use
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of sedge was before the 12th century