Grassland Sedge Carex divulsa
- Phonetic Spelling
- KAY-reks di-VUL-sah
- Description
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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:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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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.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Ornamental Grasses and Sedges
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Arching
- Clumping
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
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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
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Fruit Type:
- Achene
- Fruit Description:
- Dark brown seed clusters
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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.
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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
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Cross Section:
- Angular
- Stem Description:
- Triangular stems
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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
