Carex arenaria L.

Stems 1.5–5 dm, scattered on long tough rhizomes, aphyllopodic; lvs thick, 1–3 mm wide; spikes numerous, 5–12 mm, closely aggregated into an oblong head 2–6 cm, usually the lowest bract, and sometimes the others, long-cuspidate; perigynia surpassed by or merely equaling the broadly ovate scales, planoconvex, lance-ovate, multinerved on both sides, 4–5.5 mm, broadly winged above, the conspicuously bidentate beak a third as long as the body; achene lenticular. Native of Europe, intr. in our range on coastal sands from Md. to N.C.

It grows in coastal sandy areas. It suits river banks. It needs moist sandy soil in an open sunny position.

Plants can be grown by seeds or division of the rhizome.