New England Wild Flower Society

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Carex appalachica

Appalachian sedge

This delicate, versatile species forms tight clumps of fine, flowy leaves that hardly ever top eight inches in height, making it great for interplanting grassy areas. It is adaptable to most garden situations, though it thrives best in average soils with partial shade. Does not do well in extended drought. 



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Height: 8-10 in
Spread: 10-14 in
Hardiness Zone: 4-8


Bloom Color: Non-Flowering

Characteristics & Attributes

Cultivation Status
Species
Exposure
Part Shade
Shade
Soil Moisture
Average
Dry
Ecoregion
(84) Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens
(82) Acadian Plains and Hills
(58) Northeastern Highlands
(83) Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands
(59) Northeastern Coastal Zone
Ornamental Interest
Spring Bloom
Attracts Wildlife
Other Pollinators/Wildlife
Pollinator Powerhouse Plant
Host Plant
Tolerance
Deer/Rabbit Resistant
Additional Attributes
Low Maintenance
Landscape Use
Massing
Meadow garden
Groundcover
Naturalize
Growth Habit
Compact/Clumping


North American Distribution


General Description

Bloom Description: Flowers are small, atop thin stems.

Growth Habit & Shape: Clump-forming. Long (12 in.), thin, and arching foliage.

Soil Preferences: Dry, sandy or rocky soils, to average, well drained.

Root Description: Carex appalachica creates a fine-textured, fibrous mass of roots.

Garden Uses: Woodland gardens. Dry, shady, difficult spots; for example, Appalachian sedge would do well under hemlocks (Tsuga canadensis) or black walnut (Juglans nigra).

Best Management & Maintenance: Very low maintenance. Cut back in early spring as needed.

Common Problems: None.

Benefits

Ornamental Value: The unique texture and even, rounded form really distinguish this tough and valuable plant. Seed heads are subtle, but attractive, and are eaten by some birds.

Wildlife Benefits: This plant is a larval host for both skipper and satyr butterflies. The seeds are eaten by some birds.

Other Practical/Environmental Benefits: Valuable for its ability to survive dry, shady sites.

Use in place of: Non-native pachysandra, vinca, and ivy.

Ecology

Habitat:
Carex appalachica is found in dry, wooded or partly open woods, on mounds or rock outcrops where leaf litter is less dense.


Response to Disturbance: Can handle drought conditions, but doesn't do well with consistent moisture or flooding.

Native State Distributions:
Canada: CAN: MB, NB, ON, QC, SKU
USA: AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, WV


Wetland indicator status: Not classified.

Companion Plants:
White wood aster (Eurybia divaricata), large-leaved wood aster (Eurybia macrophylla), wild columbine (Aquilegia canadensis), blue-stemmed goldenrod (Solidago caesia)

References

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Appalachian sedge - Carex appalachica from Native Plant Trust
Appalachian sedge - Carex appalachica from Native Plant Trust