Carex laxiculmis (Spreading Sedge)
Carex laxiculmis (Spreading Sedge) is a small evergreen sedge forming dense, rounded mounds of narrow, arching, blue-green leaves to 12 in. long (30 cm). In late spring to early summer, it bears inconspicuous, creamy-white flowers atop triangular flowering stems. Native to rich wooded areas in eastern North America, Spreading Sedge can be used as an accent or ground cover in moist woodland gardens, shaded perennial beds or containers.
Carex laxiculmis (Spreading Sedge) is a small evergreen sedge forming dense, rounded mounds of narrow, arching, blue-green leaves to 12 in. long (30 cm). In late spring to early summer, it bears inconspicuous, creamy-white flowers atop triangular flowering stems. Native to rich wooded areas in eastern North America, Spreading Sedge can be used as an accent or ground cover in moist woodland gardens, shaded perennial beds or containers. It is a great choice for naturalizing since this species slowly spreads to form a fine-textured ground cover.
- Grows easily about 6-12 in. tall and wide (15-30 cm). This plant will spread over time by rhizomes to form a dense ground cover.
- Performs best in part shade to full shade in medium to wet soils. Soils should not be allowed to dry out.
- Perfect plant for borders, woodland gardens, near ponds and streams, to edge paths or walkways and as a ground cover.
- No serious disease or pest issues. Deer resistant.
- Cut the foliage to the ground in late winter.
- Propagate by seed or division.
- Native to Canada, the central and southeastern United States.
Requirements
| Hardiness | 5 – 9 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Ornamental Grasses |
| Plant Family | Carex – Sedges |
| Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter |
| Height | 6" – 1' (15cm – 30cm) |
| Spread | 6" – 1' (15cm – 30cm) |
| Spacing | 12″ (30cm) |
| Water Needs | Average, High |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Moisture Retentive |
| Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
| Native Plants | United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, Oklahoma |
| Tolerance | Deer, Wet Soil |
| Attracts | Birds, Butterflies |
| Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers, Ponds and Streams, Small Gardens |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |