Lake sedge is a common, tall sedge with rhizomes that spread to create colonies. Its coarse leaves are bluish-green in color. The spikes develop in the spring with 2-4 male spikelets and 2-4 short-stalked female spikelets. It thrives in shallow standing water. Lake sedge is a great plant for controlling erosion on stream banks, shorelines, and wetlands. It is not recommended for small areas due to its aggressive, colonizing habit.