European Gray Sedge Carex divulsa
Other Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- KAY-reks di-VUL-sah
- Description
-
Grassland sedge is a cool-season herbaceous perennial in the sedge family (Cyperaceae) native to Europe and Asia. The species epithet is from the Latin divulsus, meaning “torn asunder or separate.” The author did not explain the meaning of the epithet, but it may refer to the widely separated spikes on the inflorescence.
Grassland sedge tolerates full sun to partial or full shade and a wide range 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 an 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 a 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:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- Tags:
-
-
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:
- Ground Cover
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Ornamental Grasses and Sedges
- 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:
- Flower spikes appear in late spring but are insignificant.
-
-
Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Type:
- Sheath
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Filiform
- Linear
- 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
