Description

Carex pensylvanica Pennsylvania Sedge, Native Grasses, Perennial Grass Plugs

Botanic Name (s): Carex pensylvanica

Common Name(s): Pennsylvania sedge

Mature height :.5-1.5′

Mature spread:1 ft

Flower Color/ Bloom Time : April-July

Fall Color: reddish

Sun Exposure: Part Sun Part Shade Full Shade

Soil moisture: Dry Average Moist

Sandy soil, coarse texture

Native Habitat: Open, dry, sandy or rocky woods, wooded slopes

Notes: Lawn alternative, plant densely fine textured leaves, less than 6″

Groundcover Erosion Control

High Wildlife Value: SongbirdsGame Birds Small Mammals Waterfowl

Native to Coastal Regions

Native to Piedmont Regions

Native Grass

Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial
Habit: Grass/Grass-like
Root Type: Fibrous
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Leaf Shape: Linear
Leaf Venation: Parallel
Leaf Pubescence: Scabrous
Leaf Margin: Entire
Breeding System: Flowers Unisexual , Monoecious
Inflorescence: Spike
Size Class: 1-3 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Not Applicable
Bloom Time: May , Jun , Jul
Bloom Notes: Perianth absent. Bloom time refers to fruiting period for Carex spp.
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CT , DC , DE , GA , IA , IL , IN , KY , MA , MD , MI , MN , MO , NC , ND , NH , NJ , NY , OH , PA , RI , SC , SD , TN , VA , VT , WI , WV
Canada: AB , NB , NS , ON
Native Distribution: S. Que. to s. Ont., ND & MT, s. to GA, AR & WY
Native Habitat: Dry to moist woods
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Dry to moist soils.
Conditions Comments: This is a fine ground cover, spreading relentlessly by rhizomes. Older patches may be invaded by other plants, probably because of the soil enrichment produced by the sedge.
Benefit
Attracts: Birds

Pennsylvania sedge is sedge in the Carex family native to thickets and dry woodland areas in North America.  It is commonly found near oak trees, hence one of its common names “oak sedge”.  It grows in loose colonies and has a creeping habit with its reddish-brown roots.

It tolerates heavy shade and wet soils, though its ideal location is dry to moist shade.  This plant is a good lawn substitute for shady areas but will not tolerate heavy foot traffic.  It forms an ideal turf alternative in dry shade areas, needing mowing only once or twice a season to maintain a 2″ height. It also makes a great underplanting for taller perennials.  It is semi-evergreen, dying back under very cold temperatures.  Identification of individual sedge (Carex) species can be difficult.

Wholesale pricing is based on quantity. 50 plants (plugs) per tray with a required minimum purchase of 5 plants per species.

 

Carex pensylvanica Pennsylvania Sedge, Native Grasses, Perennial Grass Plugs

See all available native Grasses.