Carex platyphylla
Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- KAY-reks pla-tee-FILL-uh
- Description
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The broadleaf sedge is a native herbaceous perennial in the sedge family (Cyperaceae). It is found in northeastern North America and occurs sporadically in western and central North Carolina, where it is considered uncommon. The species epithet is a Greek compound meaning “broad leaf.”
In keeping with its woodland habitat in which it grows naturally, grow broadleaf sedge in full or partial shade. It enjoys moist, humus-rich soil. It will not take foot traffic.
The leaves, unusually broad for a sedge, are its most distinctive and decorative feature. They are slightly glaucous, giving them a bluish cast. 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. It would grow well next to a stream. It can be grown en masse 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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- Cultivars / Varieties:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Carex
- Species:
- platyphylla
- Family:
- Cyperaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Division
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Canada, U.S.A.
- 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.
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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
- Maintenance:
- Low
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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)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Moist
- NC Region:
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
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Fruit:
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Summer
- Fruit Type:
- Achene
- Fruit Description:
- Displays from May to July
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Flowers:
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Insignificant
- Spike
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Blooms from April to June
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Blue
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Glossy
- Papery
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Long-lasting
- 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 inch
- Leaf Description:
- Broad, glaucous and strappy.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Riparian
- Rock Wall
- Woodland
- Landscape Theme:
- Butterfly Garden
- Fairy Garden
- Native Garden
- Shade Garden
- Water Garden
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Mass Planting
- Attracts:
- Butterflies
- Small Mammals
- Songbirds
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Drought
- Dry Soil
