Broad-leafed Sedge Carex plantaginea
Other Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- KAY-reks plan-tag-ih-NEE-ah
- Description
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The plantainleaf sedge is a native herbaceous perennial in the sedge family (Cyperaceae). It is found throughout eastern North America. The species epithet highlights the resemblance of this sedge to the plantain and is formed from the genus name for plantain, Plantago.
In keeping with its woodland habitat, grow plantainleaf sedge in shade or partial shade. It enjoys moist, humus-rich soil. It will not tolerate full sun no matter how moist the soil. It will not take foot traffic.
The decorative feature of plantainleaf sedge is its broad, puckered leaves, unusually broad for a sedge. The erect, brown inflorescences add interest when they are present, but this sedge is grown primarily for its foliage. This species would make an attractive alternative to hostas, where they are vulnerable to deer.
Grow this sedge in a shaded woodland garden, native, wildlife or rock garden. The texture of the leaves would make this species an interesting addition to a sensory garden or a pond margin. It can be grown as a groundcover, accent or border plant.
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:
- plantaginea
- Family:
- Cyperaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Division
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Native to eastern North America
- Wildlife Value:
- This plant supports larvae of certain satyrine butterflies (Nymphalidae-Satyrinae). Birds and small mammals consume the achenes and use the plants for cover.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 0 ft. 10 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Ground Cover
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Native Plant
- Ornamental Grasses and Sedges
- Habit/Form:
- Clumping
- Growth Rate:
- Slow
- Texture:
- Fine
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- High Organic Matter
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Moist
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12 inches-3 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
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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
- Purple/Lavender
- Red/Burgundy
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Spike
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Description:
- Flowers early spring to early summer
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Purple/Lavender
- Leaf Feel:
- Glossy
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Leaf Type:
- Sheath
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Linear
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- Purple-sheathed, light green leaves. The leaf blade has a seersucker texture.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Naturalized Area
- Riparian
- Landscape Theme:
- Butterfly Garden
- Garden for the Blind
- Native Garden
- Rock Garden
- Shade Garden
- Water Garden
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Border
- Mass Planting
- Attracts:
- Butterflies
- Small Mammals
- Songbirds
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Wet Soil
