Plant Selection at Ernest Road: Sedges

Pennsylvania Sedge (Carex pensylvanica)

Pennsylvania sedge is a low, clumping, grass-like perennial plant that is native to eastern and central United States. This sedge grows by creeping along the forest floor with long rhizomes to form colonies in dry woodland areas, particularly near oak trees. Clumps of this species appear lush and full. This sedge tolerates heavy shade and wet, light-textured soils and serves as a good substitute for shady lawns. It grows 6 to 12 inches high and forms spiky brown seed capsules at the end of its delicate stalks. The awns (bristles) erupt from the seedheads in April and pollinate via wind.

Pennsylvania Sedge Overview

Pennsylvania Sedge Seeds

Pennsylvania Sedge Growth Form

Pennsylvania Sedge Seedhead

Appalachian Sedge (Carex appalachica)

The Appalachian sedge is a fine-textured sedge that forms in clumps in mixed deciduous forests and forest edges along the east cost of the United States. It prefers to grow in areas with well-draining soils. It is distinguishable by its narrow leaf blades that are roughly less than 1.5 millimeters wide. The Appalachian sedge also has a uniquely coiled stigma that help to distinguish it from the other members of the Cyperaceae family. It flowers from late May to July and produces staminate flowers at the tip. Its fine leaves cannot support these seedheads, causing the stems to droop and create a lush, wispy appearance.

Appalachian Sedge Overview

Appalachian Sedge Seeds

Appalachian Sedge Growth Form

Appalachian Sedge Seedhead

Rosy Sedge (Carex rosea)

The rosy sedge is a low-growing, fine textured sedge that can be found growing from eastern to central United States in small, droopy clumps. It prefers to grow in partly shaded environments in a variety of soils, ranging from acidic to average. It can reach a height of only 12 inches. Its dark green leaves are semi-evergreen and are less than 13 millimeters wide on average. Its name comes from the rosy tiny that appears on its seedhead. Unlike its lookalike, the eastern star sedge (Carex radiata), the rosy sedge has a curled tip and prefers drier soils.

Rosy Sedge Overview

Rosy Sedge Seeds

Rosy Sedge Growth Form

Rosy Sedge Seedhead

Eastern Star Sedge (Carex radiata)

The eastern star sedge is a low-growing sedge that gets its name from its star-like inflorescence. It can be found growing in the eastern and central United States in low spots, slopes, and seasonally wet areas. It prefers moist soils and tolerates both shade and sun, making it popular for raingardens and bioretention areas. It grows to be 1 to 2 feet tall (with its bloom) and produces small, star-like clusters at the tip of its densely-packed slender leaf blades. Unlike its lookalike, the rosy sedge (Carex rosea), this sedge has a straight tip on female flowers. The seeds of the eastern star sedge are a food source for songbirds as well as Galliformes (turkeys, chickens, quail, etc.).