Carex
- Description
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Carex is a genus with over 2,000 species of grass-like perennial plants called sedges found all over the world. It is in the Cyperaceae or sedge family and is often known as true sedges. The name Carex is Latin for "cutter" in reference to the sharp triangular stem edges found on most members of this genus.
This plant has a wide variety of leaf colors and textures but the leaves are triangular in cross-section. Most species in the genus spread through rhizomes or stolens, but some species grow in tufts. The genus is divided into three main groups.
Asian- Evergreen in mild climates, usually variegated and well adapted to shade. They are suitable for containers and brighten shady corners.
New Zealand- Takes more sun, red-bronze or orange leaves common.
North American-Lawn alternative for shady locations and restoring disturbed sites.
They are slow-growing and can be more difficult to grow in a landscape setting than ornamental grasses. Sedge can handle light foot traffic. They quickly show signs of stress if they are over-fertilized or over-watered. Plant them along a border front, in small groups, or use them in containers.
Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:
Carex sedges are hardy plants, but they can be sensitive to temperature fluctuations and soil conditions. They are also slow to recover from being cut back.
Additional Carex Images at Juniper Level Botanic Garden
- See this plant in the following landscapes:
- Juniper Level Botanic Gardens: Front Shade Garden Shaded Slope Juniper Level Botanic Gardens: Part Sun-Part Shade Gardens Paths & Walkways
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Carex
- Family:
- Cyperaceae
- Uses (Ethnobotany):
- Sedges have been used for weaving baskets.
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Distribution:
- Worldwide
- Wildlife Value:
- Seeds are a food source for small mammals, ducks, grouse, wild turkeys, songbirds. Larval food source for caterpillars. The leaves provide cover and nestings sites.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Annual
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Ornamental Grasses and Sedges
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Clumping
- Spreading
- Growth Rate:
- Slow
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- 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
- High Organic Matter
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
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Fruit:
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Fruit Type:
- Achene
- Nut
- Fruit Description:
- A dry, one-seeded indehiscent nutlet, sometimes trifolate.
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Flowers:
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Solitary
- Spike
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Summer
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Solitary or dense spiklets appear spring to early summer. The defining structure of the genus Carex is the bottle-shaped bract surrounding each female flower containing a the single seeded fruit.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Green
- Red/Burgundy
- Leaf Feel:
- Rough
- Leaf Type:
- Sheath
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Description:
- Leaves are composed of a blade, which extends away from the stalk, and a sheath, which encloses part of the stalk. The blade is normally long and flat, but may be folded or absent. The leaves have parallel veins and a distinct midrib and triangular clums. Foliage may be green, red or brown.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Cross Section:
- Angular
- Stem Description:
- Triangular stems
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Landscape Theme:
- Butterfly Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Rain Garden
- Shade Garden
- Attracts:
- Butterflies
- Small Mammals
- Songbirds
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Foot Traffic
- Heavy Shade
