Which habitats support the greatest numbers of sedges?

Sedges are found in nearly all habitats worldwide, excluding extreme deserts and marine or deep-water ecosystems. However, the greatest numbers of sedges are supported by sunny, moist-to-wet environments.1

These primary habitats include:

• Wetlands: Sedges are significant, often dominant components of wetlands globally, including fresh and salt marshes, bogs, fens, and peatlands.2
• Water margins: They are frequently found along the shores of ponds, lakes, and streams, as well as in ditches and canal banks.21
• Grasslands and savannas: Moist prairies, savannas, and wet tundra provide essential environments for many species.21

While a majority of sedges thrive in these open, wet areas, many species also occur in the understory of both temperate and tropical forests. Additionally, some specialized species have adapted to unique environments such as sand dunes, cliffs, and alpine grasslands.21