Carex fraseriana

Lily-leaf sedge is a native herbaceous perennial in the sedge family (Cyperaceae) native to the Appalachian Mountains of the eastern US. It is endangered in parts of its range. Lily-leaf sedge is uncommon in western North Carolina. The author of the species, John Ker Gawler, wrote, “We have named the species after the late deserving and industrious Mr. Fraser, by whom it was found in the autumn of 1808 near the Table Mountain; and upon the banks of the Catawba River, in the neighbourhood of Morgan-Town [Morganton], North-Carolina; and by him introduced into this country [England], where it flowered in his Son’s Nurfery, Sloane-Square, this Spring [1811].”

Grow the lily-leaf sage in cool, moist, partially shaded locations in acid, humus-rich soil. In the wild, it often grows in the shade of rosebay rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum), so a similar habitat should be provided for this sedge in cultivation. This species is evergreen.

Lily-leaf sedge is perhaps the most un-sedge-like member of the genus. The soft, broad leaves are unlike our other native sedges. Moreover, the flowers of this species are showy enough to earn a place in the flower garden. The spike bears female flowers with showy white bottle-shaped utricles in its lower part. The utricles become green as the fruits mature. The upper (distal) part of the inflorescence bears male flowers, which have long, dangling, white stamens. Both male and female flowers are showy and contrast well with the dark green leaves. The leaf margins are minutely undulate and rough to the touch.

Use lily-leaf sedge in a native, woodland or winter garden. It would also be at home in a pollinator or butterfly garden. It can be used as an accent, border, ground cover or even a container plant.

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

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