Carex pensylvanica
Pensylvania Sedge
General
This low-growing sedge species makes a great ground cover for a naturalized lawn or an area requiring soil stabilization. It spreads well vegetatively. This species also provides habitat, nesting areas, and dancing grounds for many bird species. It responds well to grazing and is deer resistant.
Plant Description
A low-growing groundcover with delicate, fine-textured leaves that form dense mats. Its foliage is bright green and slightly glossy, creating a lush carpet-like effect in shaded woodland areas and gardens. This sedge species remains relatively inconspicuous until it produces small, greenish-white flower spikes in spring, adding subtle vertical interest to its understated charm. Leaves are narrow (1.5-3mm wide), flat, and 6-12 in long. Stems are 3-sided and about the same height as the leaves, with seed heads at the ends.
Height (ft)
0.5-1'
Soil moisture
Dry to Medium
Soil types
Coarse to fine textured mineral soils
Wetland indicator
UPL
Shade tolerance
Tolerant
Bloom color
Green
Bloom period
Spring
Drought tolerance
Tolerant
Salinity tolerance
None
Range
Northeast and Northcentral United States, south to northern parts of Georgia, Mississippi, and Alabama.
Kartesz, J.T. 2024. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP) [website http://bonap.org/]