Carex frankii

May be confused with Carex glaucescens which has leaves the same width (1/4-1/2 inch) but which are gray-green on their upper surfaces. Also similar to Carex complanata which has leaves that are 1/16 inch wide while those of C. frankii are 1/4-1/2 inch wide. One small male spike, brown. Female spikes large, green, apparently prickly, born halfway up stem. Leaves grooved, saw-tooth edges. Base purple.

Steffen (1997) reports the seeds of most Carex species germinate best when planted fresh.

Carex is considered an important cover plant for waterfowl. The following information is for the genus Carex: Animals that eat its seeds: Coot, Canvasback duck, American golden eye duck, Mallard duck, Pintail duck, Redhead duck, Blue-winged teal duck, Cinnamon teal duck, Green-winged teal duck, Wood duck, Virginia rail, Yellow rail, Stilt sandpiper, White-rumped sandpiper, Wild tukey, Woodcock, Painted bunting, Cardinal, Horned lark, Savannah sparrow, Tree sparrow. Animals that eat its seeds and leaves: Black bear, Jack rabbit, Eastern gray squirrel, Animals that eat its seeds, leaves, roots: Common mole. Animals that eat the plant: White-tailed deer (Martin et al. 1951).

Frank's sedge is found frequently in moist sandy soils in most of Louisiana and east and southeast Texas. It ranges across the southeastern United States, from New York south to Florida and west to Texas.

Alluvial woods, swamps, prairies, ditches and meadows.