Carex

As members of the sedge (Cyperaceae) family, carex resemble grasses, but there are distinct differences. Carex stems are solid and triangular with ridges running their length, while those of grasses are round and hollow. As the green or brown “flowers” are seldom showy, carex are primarily grown for their foliage, which is highly diverse in color -- including greens, blues, yellows, browns, copper-bronzes and bold variegations. Carex come in a wide range of sizes, from a few inches high up to 5 feet. While some carex provide fountains of fine foliage, others are broad-leaved and upright. The combination of their growth habit, foliage texture and color make them ideal species for borders, containers, rock- and water-gardens.

REQUIREMENTS: Zones 4-9, 14-24. Partial shade inland, full sun near the coast. Most prefer consistently moist soil (drip irrigation highly recommended), but a few will require dry conditions, especially the New Zealand Sedges: C. testacea, buchananii, etc.

 

While the flowers and seed heads of many Carex species can add interest to a garden, it is their textures, forms, and foliage colors that will eventually determine your design decisions.  When choosing a sedge it is also important to consider whether or not the plant has a clumping or spreading habit.  A clumping-type sedge will spread out over time but will generally remain confined to its original location in the landscape.  Spreaders, on the other hand, will continually spread throughout the landscape, often with underground rhizomes, and sometimes aggressively.  In the descriptions of the individual sedges below we have indicated whether or not a particular species has a clumping or spreading habit.  At El Nativo Growers, Inc. we grow a wide selection of Carex species and hope the provided information will help you select the best Carex for your project.

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    Carex nudata 1g

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    A sedge that grows primarily in northern and central California along river banks and in wetlands. Forms a dense mound of bright green, cascading foliage up to 2.5’ tall and 2’ wide. Long, scaly, black and brown flower spikes appear in late winter/early...
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  • Carex pansa 1g
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    Carex pansa 1g

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    Great lawn substitute. Similar to Carex praegracilis but has wider foliage and only grows to 8". From our experience, C. pansa develops a brown look to it in the summer. It will not harm it. If unsightly cut back. Tolerates drought but will not stay as...
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  • Carex pansa 4"
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    Carex pansa 4"

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    Great lawn substitute. Similar to Carex praegracilis but has wider foliage and only grows to 8". From our experience, C. pansa develops a brown look to it in the summer. It will not harm it. If unsightly cut back. Tolerates drought but will not stay as...
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  • Carex pansa 50C
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    Carex pansa 50C

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    Great lawn substitute. Similar to Carex praegracilis but has wider foliage and only grows to 8". From our experience, C. pansa develops a brown look to it in the summer. It will not harm it. If unsightly cut back. Tolerates drought but will not stay as...
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  • Carex perdentata 1g
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    Carex perdentata 1g

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    Great lawn substitute. Similar to Carex pansa and C. praegracilis. Foliage a bit brighter green and coarser. Tolerates drought but will not stay as dense/lush. If given regular water, will stay bright green and lush. Spreads slowly by runners (grows...
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  • Carex praegracilis foliage
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    Carex praegracilis 1g

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    Great lawn substitute. Many list as only growing to 6-8" tall. Similar to Carex pansa but if left uncut or eaten, will grow up to 18". Foliage is slightly narrower than Carex pansa. From our experience, C. praegracilis develops a brown look to it in the...
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  • Carex praegracilis flowers close-up
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    Carex praegracilis 4"

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    Great lawn substitute. Many list as only growing to 6-8" tall. Similar to Carex pansa but if left uncut or eaten, will grow up to 18". Foliage is slightly narrower than Carex pansa. From our experience, C. praegracilis develops a brown look to it in the...
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  • Carex praegracilis habit
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    Carex praegracilis 50C

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    Great lawn substitute. Many list as only growing to 6-8" tall. Similar to Carex pansa but if left uncut or eaten, will grow up to 18". Foliage is slightly narrower than Carex pansa. From our experience, C. praegracilis develops a brown look to it in the...
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  • Carex praegracilis foliage/foliage close-up
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    Carex praegracilis RP

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    Great lawn substitute. Many list as only growing to 6-8" tall. Similar to Carex pansa but if left uncut or eaten, will grow up to 18". Foliage is slightly narrower than Carex pansa. From our experience, C. praegracilis develops a brown look to it in the...
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    Carex subfusca 1g

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    A native sedge that grows throughout California, primarily in moist areas. If given ample water, it will spread quickly via rhizomes to form dense patches. Blooms in spring with tan flowers that age to brown. Useful for erosion control. Makes a good...
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