Tussock sedge grows in 2-3' tall clumps about 2' wide. As old leaves die, they build up around the living plant, making a "tussock" or little hill. It grows in or near water and spreads by rhizomes to make new clumps. As new tussocks form, they trap water between them, helping other aquatic plants get established. It also creates quality cover for breeding frogs, toads, salamanders and insects. Plants are great nest and perching sites for birds, including ducks, small herons, swamp and song sparrows, geese, and others. Other birds use leaves and stems to build nests and a number of birds and small mammals such as mallard, wood duck, wild turkey, cardinal, junco, squirrels feed on the seeds.