Carex pensylvanica
Pennsylvania Sedge
Please register or login to build your personal plant list.Pennsylvania Sedge is a low-growing, semi-evergreen perennial sedge, which grows well in shade. The bright-green, arching, grass-like leaves grow...
Description:
Pennsylvania Sedge is a low-growing, semi-evergreen perennial sedge, which grows well in shade. The bright-green, arching, grass-like leaves grow in soft clumps. This plant spreads by rhizomes (underground stems) to form a nice groundcover. It is monoecious (separate male and female flowers on the same plant); the small green male and purple-brown female flowers bloom on top of erect flowering stems in May. The female flowers are followed by tiny, brown seed capsules. The seeds are a source of food for birds and small mammals, and the leaves provide cover for wildlife. This plant prefers dry, shady areas, and grows well under oak trees. Plant Pennsylvania Sedge under perennials in shade gardens, or use it as a groundcover or a no-mow lawn substitute in dry, shady areas. If used as turf, it can be mowed, but only needs it two to three times a year!
Plant Details:
Plant Type: Grass, Groundcover
New Jersey Native: Yes
Bloom Times: Late Spring to Early Summer
Bloom Colors: Green, Purple, Brown
Deer Resistance: High
Attracts Pollinators and Wildlife: Birds
Salt Tolerance: Low to None
Hardiness Zone: 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b
Physiographic Region: All Regions in NJ
Grows in Special Ecoregions: Pinelands
Soil Characteristics
Soil Type: Loam, Organic, Sandy
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil pH: Slightly Acidic, Neutral, Slightly Alkaline
Light Needs of Plant
Optimal Light: Partial Shade
Light Range: Full Sun, Partial Shade, Shade
Water Needs of Plant
Soil Moisture: Dry
Drought Tolerance: Medium
Size and Growth Rate
Height: 0.5 - 1 ft
Spread: 0.5 - 1 ft
Growth Rate: Medium