Carex brevior

Sedge-Plains Oval

Photo Credit: Applied Ecological Services


Carex brevior

Sedge-Plains Oval

This versatile cool season sedge is native to much of North America. It is often found in dry, sandy or rocky soils, but is versatile enough to tolerate clay, alkaline soils, drought and periodic flooding. Short, mound of finely textured foliage is topped with small, spiky seed heads. Spreads slowly by short rhizomes.

Plant Details

  • Zone: 3 - 8
  • Height: 6-12"
  • Spread: 6-12"
  • Exposure: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Soil Moisture: High Water Needs, Low Water Needs, Moderate Water Needs
  • Drought tolerant: Yes, Once Established
  • Bloom time: Early Summer, Grown for Foliage, Late Spring
  • Foliage Color: Green Shades
  • Flower Color: Brown Shades
  • Fragrant: No
  • Good Cut Flower: No
  • Native: Native Species
  • Deer resistant: Yes
  • Rabbit resistant: Yes
  • Bee-friendly: No
  • Attracts butterflies: No
  • Attracts hummingbirds: No
  • Groundcover: Yes
  • Roy Diblik Favorite: No

Plant Details

  • Zone: 3 - 8
  • Height: 6-12"
  • Spread: 6-12"
  • Exposure: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Soil Moisture: High Water Needs, Low Water Needs, Moderate Water Needs
  • Drought tolerant: Yes, Once Established
  • Bloom time: Early Summer, Grown for Foliage, Late Spring
  • Foliage Color: Green Shades
  • Flower Color: Brown Shades
  • Fragrant: No
  • Good Cut Flower: No
  • Native: Native Species
  • Bee-friendly: No
  • Deer resistant: Yes
  • Rabbit resistant: Yes
  • Attracts butterflies: No
  • Attracts hummingbirds: No
  • Groundcover: Yes
  • Roy Diblik Favorite: No

Grower Information

Ornamental grasses and grasslike plants vary widely by type. Cool season grasses are generally best planted in the fall prior or in late winter/early spring in the greenhouse. Warm season grasses can be planted in spring and summer for same-season sales. Sedges grow best when planted in spring and summer rather than the fall prior.

Ornamental grasses and grasslike plants grow well in a wide range of growing media types, provided there is adequate moisture-holding capacity and good drainage. While getting established in their finished containers, most prefer to be kept moist, but not saturated.

  • PowerPlug Size(s): 32s
  • Optimal Planting Time: Spring
  • Retail Sales Window: Fall, Spring, Summer
  • Moisture in Production: Average, Low
  • Requires Shade in Production: Yes
  • Vernalization Required for Bloom: No
  • Vernalization Beneficial: Yes