Carex cherokeensis

Cherokee sedge is a native plant in the Cyperaceae (sedge) family that is usually found growing along the edges of woodlands in moist sites from NC south to Florida and west to Texas. It grows slowly 1 to 2 feet tall with a similar spread with 16-inch arching grass-like leaves and attractive drooping seed clusters.

This sedge prefers partial sun to shade and moist to wet soil but is adaptable to full sun and average garden soils if given some water during dry spells.  Sedges should never be cut down to the ground but only given a light haircut in late winter to early spring to improve the form. The combination of flowers and seed heads in spring add some additional interest. It is a tough plant that is heat, wet soil, and deer browsing tolerant.

It slowly increases its clump size over time by rhizomes which makes it a well-behaved sedge to use in perennial gardens. This sedge supports wildlife by providing cover for small animals, nesting material for birds, and is a larval host plant making it an excellent addition to a pollinator garden.  Its diminutive size makes it ideal as a front of a border planting or tucked into any small garden space.  Mass plant it and use as a groundcover or lawn replacement.  Use it for edging along a walkway, or to add a fine airy accent around ponds, bogs, and streams banks.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No serious problems.