Tufted Sedge Carex elata
Other Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- KAY-reks ee-LAY-tah
- Description
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Tufted sedge is an herbaceous perennial in the sedge family (Cyperaceae) that is native to Europe, central Asia and North Africa. The species epithet is Latin for “tall.”
Tufted sedge grows easily in most fertile, acid soils, as long as the soil does not dry out. This is a wetland species that does not tolerate drought. It can even grow in up to 2 inches of standing water. Tufted sedge thrives in full sun or partial shade.
Use this sedge in a shade garden in large drifts, or as an accent in a shady border. Mass plant it in a woodland or rock garden, or use it in a rain garden.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious problems.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Mountain Ridge Top Garden - East Lawn and Lower Drive Border
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- 'Aurea' (aka 'Bowles Golden')
Golden to chartreuse foliage - 'Knightshayes'
Yellow-green foliage
- 'Aurea' (aka 'Bowles Golden')
- 'Aurea' (aka 'Bowles Golden'), 'Knightshayes'
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Aurea' (aka 'Bowles Golden')
Golden to chartreuse foliage - 'Knightshayes'
Yellow-green foliage
- 'Aurea' (aka 'Bowles Golden')
- 'Aurea' (aka 'Bowles Golden'), 'Knightshayes'
- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Carex
- Species:
- elata
- Family:
- Cyperaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Division
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Europe to Central Asia
- 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:
- Ground Cover
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Ornamental Grasses and Sedges
- Habit/Form:
- Arching
- Clumping
- Dense
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Fine
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- 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
- High Organic Matter
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Shallow Rocky
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Frequent Standing Water
- Occasional Flooding
- Occasionally Wet
- 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 Type:
- Achene
- Fruit Length:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Width:
- < 1 inch
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Insignificant
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Green
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Long-lasting
- Showy
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- > 6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- < 1 inch
- Leaf Description:
- Narrow leaves are evergreen and attractive.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Near Septic
- Pond
- Landscape Theme:
- Butterfly Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Rain Garden
- Water Garden
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Attracts:
- Butterflies
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Wet Soil
