New England Wild Flower Society

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Carex pensylvanica

Pensylvania sedge

Pennsylvania sedge supports dozens of butterfly and moth species, a prime lawn alternative for dry shade and moist sun. This short sedge spreads gradually to form a dense mat. Needing neither irrigation nor mowing, it grows quite nicely where traditional turf struggles.



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Height: 6-10 in
Spread: 12-18 in
Hardiness Zone: 3-8


Bloom Color: Non-Flowering

Characteristics & Attributes

Cultivation Status
Species
Exposure
Sun
Part Shade
Shade
Soil Moisture
Dry
Average
Ecoregion
(83) Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands
(59) Northeastern Coastal Zone
(84) Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens
(82) Acadian Plains and Hills
(58) Northeastern Highlands
Ornamental Interest
Spring Bloom
Attracts Wildlife
Host Plant
Other Pollinators/Wildlife
Pollinator Powerhouse Plant
Tolerance
Drought Tolerant
Deer/Rabbit Resistant
Urban Environment
Additional Attributes
Erosion Control/Soil Stabilization
Low Maintenance
Landscape Use
Rain Garden
Groundcover
Naturalize
Massing
Growth Habit
Spreading/Suckering


North American Distribution


General Description

Bloom Description: Blooms April to May. Blooms are small, yellow tufts.

Growth Habit & Shape: Grass-like, slowly spreading by rhizome.

Soil Preferences: Well-drained, dry to moist, acidic. C. pensylvanica can handle a wide range of side conditions.

Root Description: Rhizomatous.

Garden Uses: A versatile ground cover. Shade gardens, slopes, rock gardens, grasslands, woodlands, and meadows. Very popular choice as a lawn alternative.

Best Management & Maintenance: Very low maintenance. Can be mown 2-3 times a year or not at all. Remove some leaf litter if it is heavy and a denser stand of Pennsylvania sedge is desired.

Common Problems: No significant problems.

Benefits

Ornamental Value: Great for simple, textural sweeps. Foliage looks good year-round. Functions as a living mulch that can compete with possible weeds.

Wildlife Benefits: Pennsylvania sedge is an important habitat plant that creates both forage and cover for all sorts of wildlife. Several insects feed on the foliage, including grasshoppers.

Other Practical/Environmental Benefits: Erosion control, slope stabilization, competes with weeds, and deer resistant.

Use in place of: Non-native turf grass.

Ecology

Habitat:
Carex pensylvanica grows in both wide open sunny meadows and in dense, dry woodlands. It is often in sandy, acidic soils.


Response to Disturbance: Pennsylvania sedge spreads as much by rhizome as by seed. Some disturbance is fine, like moderate foot traffic or occasional mowing, while heavy disturbance, like car tires or fire, will be too much.

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


Wetland indicator status: Not classified.

Companion Plants:
Wild columbine (Aquilegia canadensis), yellow trout lily (Erythronium americanum), flax-leaved stiff-aster (Ionactis linariifolia), bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), common star-grass (Hypoxis hirsutus), and wood ferns (Dryopteris spp.).

References

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Pensylvania sedge - Carex pensylvanica from Native Plant Trust
Pensylvania sedge - Carex pensylvanica from Native Plant Trust
Pensylvania sedge - Carex pensylvanica from Native Plant Trust
Pensylvania sedge - Carex pensylvanica from Native Plant Trust