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Birdfoot Sedge Carex conica 'Snow Line'

Other Common Name(s):

Previously known as:

  • Carex conica ‘Hime kan suge’
Phonetic Spelling
KAY-reks KON-ih-ka
Description

Birdfoot sedge is a perennial in the Cyperaceae (sedge) family native to Korea and Japan. The name Carex is Latin for "cutter" in reference to the sharp triangular stem edges found on most members of this genus.  

Plant in full sun to partial shade in rich amended, moist, well draining soil.  This tufted evergreen has deep rich glossy green foliage with white edges and grows slowly to a height of 18 inches and a clumping width of 2 feet.  The flowers are insignificant, this plant is grown for its interesting, showy leaves.  If the leaf tips of this evergreen turn brown they may be trimmed back.  If the clumps get too large divide in the early spring.  For the best results, be sure there is a generous amount of plant material to transplant. 

This easy to grow sedge can be mass planted and used as a groundcover or the front of a border or as an edging plant along a walkway.  Plant in a container, mass plant along a slope or use in a rock garden.  This sedge is a larval host plant to butterflies so it is a welcome addition to a pollinator garden and it is moderately resistant to browsing by deer.  

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

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#easy to grow#slow growing#sedge#showy leaves#ornamental grass#interesting leaves#mass planting#edging#variegated#rock garden#pollinator plant#clumping#larval host plant#walkway planting#wet soils tolerant#butterfly friendly#HS302#various satyr butterfly#container plant#perennial#pollinator garden#wildlife friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#easy to grow#slow growing#sedge#showy leaves#ornamental grass#interesting leaves#mass planting#edging#variegated#rock garden#pollinator plant#clumping#larval host plant#walkway planting#wet soils tolerant#butterfly friendly#HS302#various satyr butterfly#container plant#perennial#pollinator garden#wildlife friendly
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Carex
    Species:
    conica
    Family:
    Cyperaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    S. Korea and Japan
    Wildlife Value:
    This plant supports various Satyr larvae.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 1 ft. 3 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
    Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Ground Cover
    Ornamental Grasses and Sedges
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Semi-evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Clumping
    Dense
    Mounding
    Growth Rate:
    Slow
    Maintenance:
    Low
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Alkaline (>8.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Purple/Lavender
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Insignificant
    Spike
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Summer
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Insignificant very small flowers appear late spring to early summer, this plant is grown for its leaves.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Semi-evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Variegated
    White
    Leaf Feel:
    Glossy
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Sheath
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Other/more complex
    Rosulate
    Leaf Shape:
    Lanceolate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Description:
    Showy narrow, long, arching. green leaves lined with snowy white border.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Cross Section:
    Angular
    Stem Description:
    Triangular stems
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Rock Wall
    Small Space
    Walkways
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Rock Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Mass Planting
    Attracts:
    Butterflies
    Pollinators
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Wet Soil