CAREX PENSYLVANICA / OAK SEDGE

CAREX PENSYLVANICA / OAK SEDGE

A Native Grass-Like Plant with Fine, Arching Foliage

Carex pensylvanica, commonly known as Oak Sedge, is a graceful native perennial sedge valued for its fine-textured, arching green leaves that form dense, low-growing clumps. Thriving in partial to full shade with well-drained soils, Oak Sedge adds subtle texture, year-round interest, and erosion control to woodland gardens, naturalized landscapes, and shaded borders. Its low-maintenance habit makes it an excellent groundcover for dry, shaded areas.

Why Choose Oak Sedge?

Native & Wildlife Friendly: Provides habitat for insects and small wildlife.
Shade Tolerant: Thrives under trees and in woodland gardens.
Low Maintenance: Drought-tolerant once established and easy to grow.
Elegant Texture: Fine, arching foliage adds soft movement and visual interest.

Key Features:

Foliage Color: Medium green, narrow, arching leaves.
Flower/Seed Color: Subtle brown-green seed heads in spring.
Height and Spread: Typically grows 6–12 inches tall and spreads 12–18 inches wide.
Hardiness: Hardy to USDA Zones 3–8.
Sunlight: Prefers partial to full shade.
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soils; tolerates sandy, loamy, and slightly acidic soils.

Specifications:

Plant Size: 6–12 inches tall, 12–18 inches wide.
Growth Habit: Low, clump-forming perennial sedge.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–8.
Flowering: Late spring with subtle, inconspicuous seed heads.

Ideal Uses:

Woodland & Shade Gardens: Perfect under trees and shrubs for a naturalized look.
Groundcover & Edging: Forms dense, low-maintenance mats for shaded areas.
Naturalized Landscapes: Works well in forest edges, native plant gardens, and shaded meadows.
Pollinator & Wildlife Gardens: Supports beneficial insects and provides habitat in woodland plantings.

Oak Sedge is a delicate and ecologically valuable native perennial. Its fine-textured foliage, shade tolerance, and low-maintenance habit make it an excellent choice for woodland gardens, naturalized landscapes, and low-maintenance groundcover plantings.