Cherokee Sedge 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. The name Carex is Latin for "cutter" in reference to the sharp triangular stem edges found on most members of this genus.  

This sedge will grow 1-2 feet tall with a similar spread and 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. Propagation is by seed or division.

Cherokee sedge blooms in spring and is followed by attractive dropping seedheads. The aching evergreen to semi-evergreen grass-like foliage is attractive all season. It is a tough plant that is heat, wet soil, and deer browsing tolerant.

It slowly increases its clump size over time by rhizomes making it a well-behaved sedge to use in perennial gardens. 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, for erosion control or lawn replacement.  Use it for edging along a walkway or to add a fine airy accent around ponds, bogs and stream banks. It can also be used in rain gardens and woodland gardens.

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