Carex pensylvanica

Pennsylvania Sedge

Plant Type:

GRASSES & GRASS-LIKE PLANTS

Carex pensylvanica (ex: Stan Kaplan) Sold in sets of 5 plugs; 1 offering = 5 plugs. Pennsylvania Sedge or Oak Sedge is a low maintenance / easy care sedge that will gracefully colonize an open to partly shaded situation where traditional sun-loving grasses will not prosper. Slowly spreading Pennsylvania Sedge only grows 8 inches tall with very narrow blades. Upon maturity tufts will gently fall creating a soft green monochrome tapestry. From eastern North America Oak Sedge, which is often found growing at the bases of oaks, is not aggressive; rather, it slowly colonizes and will not choke out larger-growing perennials. Though it can be grown in full sun given extra moisture in decent loam, sandy to clay conditions are perfectly appropriate in partial to open shaded siting. In the southern portion of its range it is best to site Pennsylvania Sedge in part shade – avoid a full sun exposure. Further south it can become a bit ragged by middle-late summer, more so in a sunny exposure, but up north it remains attractive and green. Fresh new green blades will emerge in the late season. Mow it 2 or 3 times a season or only cut back once in late winter / early spring before the new growth arises this is a great alternative to lawn grass. Useful in a patch by itself, on a partly shaded slope that is difficult to mow or as a ground cover in a mixed planting Carex pensylvanica is a most useful low maintenance solution to problem areas.


Height:

8 in

Characteristics and Attributes for Carex pensylvanica

Season of Interest (Foliage)

  • Spring / Summer / Autumn

Autumn Interest

  • Autumn Leaf Color

Nature Attraction

  • Songbirds
  • Deer Resistant

Light

  • Morning Sun / Afternoon Shade
  • Shade Tolerant
  • Mostly Sunny

Attributes

  • Bank
  • Drought Tolerant
  • Grass Garden
  • Ground Cover
  • Massing

Growth Rate in the Garden

  • Medium

Soil

  • Draining
  • Fertile
  • Sandy

Origins

  • Eastern North America

Propagated By

  • Division