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Carex divulsa

Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
KAY-reks di-VUL-sah
Description

Grassland sedge is a cool-season sedge in the Cyperaceae (sedge) family native to Europe and Asia.  The name Carex is Latin for "cutter" in reference to the sharp triangular stem edges found on most members of this genus.  

It tolerates full sun partial to full shade and a wide variety of soil conditions, from dry to boggy, as well as heat and humidity.  It grows in arching clumps spreading 2 feet wide with bright green leaves and a tidy habit.

While it is considered drought tolerant it will appear more lush with regular irrigation. Given the right conditions, it will self seed and naturalize in the landscape.  It can be mowed to a height of 2 inches and maintained as a lawn alternative that accepts light foot traffic.  This plant provides winter interest and is resistant to damage by deer.

It thrives under established trees and does well in that tricky spot in the landscape with dry shade.  Plant it as a accent plant, in small groups or in a sweep along a slope to prevent erosion.  It works well in a meadow, rain or rock garden, or any other area of the landscape where a groundcover is needed.  Interplanted with wildflowers it makes a beautiful backdrop to all the color and it is plant that supports pollinators and songbirds.

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

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#rain garden#sedge#lawn alternative#winter interest#slopes#mass planting#erosion control#deer resistant#naturalizes#rock garden#self-seeding#pollinator plant#understory planting#small group plantings#wet soils tolerant#bird friendly#foot traffic tolerant#dry shade#lawn alternative shade#meadow#accent
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#rain garden#sedge#lawn alternative#winter interest#slopes#mass planting#erosion control#deer resistant#naturalizes#rock garden#self-seeding#pollinator plant#understory planting#small group plantings#wet soils tolerant#bird friendly#foot traffic tolerant#dry shade#lawn alternative shade#meadow#accent
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Carex
    Species:
    divulsa
    Family:
    Cyperaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Europe and Asia
    Wildlife Value:
    Attracts songbirds and pollinators.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Ornamental Grasses and Sedges
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Arching
    Clumping
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Shallow Rocky
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Occasionally Dry
    Very Dry
    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
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Fruit Type:
    Achene
    Fruit Description:
    Dark brown seed clusters
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Cream/Tan
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Insignificant
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Description:
    Bronze flowers spides appear in late spring but are insignificant.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Type:
    Sheath
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Other/more complex
    Rosulate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Width:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Description:
    Bright green fine-textured leaves 1/8" wide
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Cross Section:
    Angular
    Stem Description:
    Triangular stems
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Lawn
    Naturalized Area
    Landscape Theme:
    Pollinator Garden
    Rain Garden
    Rock Garden
    Winter Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Mass Planting
    Small groups
    Attracts:
    Pollinators
    Songbirds
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Erosion
    Foot Traffic
    Heat
    Humidity
    Wet Soil