Carex pensylvanica

Sedge-Pennsylvania, Oak Sedge

Carex pensylvanica

Photo Credit: Mt Cuba Center

Carex pensylvanica

Photo Credit: Mt Cuba Center

Carex pensylvanica

Photo Credit: Stonehouse Nursery


Carex pensylvanica

Sedge-Pennsylvania, Oak Sedge

This popular native sedge has seen high demand due to its tolerance of drier soils than most species. It forms a soft, sweeping carpet of finely textured, semi-evergreen foliage that is peppered with small, tan inflorescences. It spreads slowly to form a no-mow lawn alternative or groundcover in shady spots.

Plant Details

  • Zone: 3 - 8
  • Height: 8-10"
  • Spread: 12-18"
  • Exposure: Full Shade, Part Shade
  • Soil Moisture: High Water Needs, Low Water Needs, Moderate Water Needs
  • Drought tolerant: Yes, Once Established
  • Bloom time: 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: No
  • Bee-friendly: No
  • Attracts butterflies: No
  • Attracts hummingbirds: No
  • Groundcover: Yes
  • Roy Diblik Favorite: Yes

Plant Details

  • Zone: 3 - 8
  • Height: 8-10"
  • Spread: 12-18"
  • Exposure: Full Shade, Part Shade
  • Soil Moisture: High Water Needs, Low Water Needs, Moderate Water Needs
  • Drought tolerant: Yes, Once Established
  • Bloom time: 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: No
  • Attracts butterflies: No
  • Attracts hummingbirds: No
  • Groundcover: Yes
  • Roy Diblik Favorite: Yes

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