Common Sedge, Oak Sedge
Carex pensylvanica, commonly called Pennsylvania sedge, is a shade-loving perennial sedge that is native to thickets and dry woodland areas. It is found in dry to mesic upland forests and shaded bluff ledges. It typically grows in loose colonies with a creeping habit. Roots are reddish brown. It is often found in areas with oak trees, hence the additional common name of oak sedge. This is a low sedge with soft, delicate, arching, semi-evergreen leaves (each to 1/8" wide). It typically grows in a clump to 8" tall. It is semi-evergreen in moderately cold winter climates.
Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in part shade to full shade. Prefers loose loams in dry soils in sun-dappled part shade. Most sedges prefer moist to wet soils, but not this one. Plants spread by rhizomes. Plants may self-seed in optimum growing conditions [MissouriBotanicalGarden.org]
Larval Host for the
0.5-1'
0.5-1'
SIZE
SOIL
Dry, Average, Medium, Moist, Loamy
LIGHT
Part Shade, Shade
BENEFITS
NOTES
Underplanting for shade perennials. Lawn substitute for dry soils in shady areas (forms a turf that never needs mowing or mow 2-3 times per year to 2" tall). May be best to use purchased plants for covering large areas because this species often does not grow well from seed. Despite the ability to mow, does not always appreciate getting walked on.
CHARACTERISTICS
Low Maintenance, Will Naturalize, Tolerates Wet, Ornamental, Relatively pest free
May
Sedge
This
flowers in
Pennsylvania Sedge
Carex pensylvanica
DETAIL VIEW
DESCRIPTION
Carex pensylvanica, commonly called Pennsylvania sedge, is a shade-loving perennial sedge that is native to thickets and dry woodland areas. It is found in dry to mesic upland forests and shaded bluff ledges. It typically grows in loose colonies with a creeping habit. Roots are reddish brown. It is often found in areas with oak trees, hence the additional common name of oak sedge. This is a low sedge with soft, delicate, arching, semi-evergreen leaves (each to 1/8" wide). It typically grows in a clump to 8" tall. It is semi-evergreen in moderately cold winter climates.
Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in part shade to full shade. Prefers loose loams in dry soils in sun-dappled part shade. Most sedges prefer moist to wet soils, but not this one. Plants spread by rhizomes. Plants may self-seed in optimum growing conditions [MissouriBotanicalGarden.org]