Spreading sedge is a native grass-like herbaceous perennial in the sedge family (Cypereaceae). It is found in Canada, through the central and southeastern United States, in the rich soils of forests, slopes, and floodplains. The species epithet is Latin for “lax stem” and refers to the inflorescences that are borne at an angle of more than 45 degrees from the vertical. Spreading sedge is an easy-to-grow woodland plant. It likes partial or dappled shade and can even tolerate deep shade. It needs moist, humus-rich soil and does not mind occasional periods of wet soil. Nevertheless, it is drought-tolerant once established. It will tolerate dry shade. Grow spreading sedge in a woodland garden, a native garden or a wildlife garden (this species is used as a food plant for certain caterpillars). It can be used as a border plant or ground cover. It will grow in a container. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious problems. More information on Carex .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Ground Cover; Herbaceous Perennial; Native Plant; Ornamental Grasses and Sedges
Life cycle
Perennial
Light
Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
High Organic Matter
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0)
Soil drainage
Moist | Occasionally Wet
NC region
Mountains; Piedmont
Growth rate
Medium
Maintenance
Low
Canopy layer
5 - Groundcover
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Clumping; Mounding; Spreading
Texture
Medium
Leaf color
Blue; Green
Leaf type
Sheath; Simple
Leaf shape
Linear
Leaf margin
Entire
Leaf feel
Papery
Leaf value
Showy
Leaf size
> 6 inches long, < 1 inch wide
Hairs present
No
Flower color
Green
Flower form
Insignificant
Flower detail
Blooms from April to June
Bloom time
Spring
Fruit color
Brown/Copper
Fruit type
Achene
Fruit size
< 1 inch long, < 1 inch wide
Fruit detail
Displays from May to July.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Native
Origin
Canada, central and southeastern U.S.A.
Wildlife value
This plant supports larvae of certain satyrine butterflies (Nymphalidae-Satyrinae). Birds and small mammals consume the achenes and use the plants for cover.
Attracts
Butterflies; Small Mammals; Songbirds
Food & Medicine
Harvest time
Summer
Fruit type
Achene
Landscape Use
Landscape location
Container; Naturalized Area; Small Space; Woodland