The plantainleaf sedge is a native herbaceous perennial in the sedge family (Cyperaceae). It is found throughout eastern North America. The species epithet highlights the resemblance of this sedge to the plantain and is formed from the genus name for plantain, Plantago . In keeping with its woodland habitat, grow plantainleaf sedge in shade or partial shade. It enjoys moist, humus-rich soil. It will not tolerate full sun no matter how moist the soil. It will not take foot traffic. The decorative feature of plantainleaf sedge is its broad, puckered leaves, unusually broad for a sedge. The erect, brown inflorescences add interest when they are present, but this sedge is grown primarily for its foliage. This species would make an attractive alternative to hostas, where they are vulnerable to deer. Grow this sedge in a shaded woodland garden, native, wildlife or rock garden. The texture of the leaves would make this species an interesting addition to a sensory garden or a pond margin. It can be grown as a groundcover, accent or border plant. 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
USDA zones
3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
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
Available space
12 inches-3 feet
NC region
Coastal; Mountains; Piedmont
Mature size
Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 3 ft. 0 in. | Width: 0 ft. 10 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
Growth rate
Slow
Canopy layer
4 - Herbaceous (3-15 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Clumping
Texture
Fine
Leaf color
Green; Purple/Lavender
Leaf type
Sheath; Simple
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf shape
Linear
Leaf margin
Entire
Leaf feel
Glossy
Leaf value
Showy
Leaf size
3-6 inches long, 1-3 inches wide
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
Purple-sheathed, light green leaves. The leaf blade has a seersucker texture.
Flower color
Brown/Copper; Purple/Lavender; Red/Burgundy
Flower value
Showy
Flower form
Spike
Flower detail
Flowers early spring to early summer
Bloom time
Spring
Fruit type
Achene
Fruit size
< 1 inch long, < 1 inch wide
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Native
Origin
Native to eastern North America
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
Fruit type
Achene
Landscape Use
Landscape location
Container; Naturalized Area; Riparian
Landscape theme
Butterfly Garden; Fairy Garden; Garden for the Blind; Native Garden; Rock Garden; Shade Garden; Water Garden