Carex pensylvanica

Photo Credit: Mt Cuba Center

Photo Credit: Stonehouse Nursery

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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