The broadleaf sedge is a native herbaceous perennial in the sedge family (Cyperaceae). It is found in northeastern North America and occurs sporadically in western and central North Carolina, where it is considered uncommon. The species epithet is a Greek compound meaning “broad leaf.” In keeping with its woodland habitat in which it grows naturally, grow broadleaf sedge in full or partial shade. It enjoys moist, humus-rich soil. It will not take foot traffic. The leaves, unusually broad for a sedge, are its most distinctive and decorative feature. They are slightly glaucous, giving them a bluish cast. 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. It would grow well next to a stream. It can be grown en masse 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
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); Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil drainage
Moist
NC region
Mountains; Piedmont
Growth rate
Slow
Maintenance
Low
Canopy layer
5 - Groundcover
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Clumping
Leaf color
Blue; Green
Leaf type
Sheath; Simple
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf shape
Linear
Leaf margin
Entire
Leaf feel
Glossy; Papery
Leaf value
Long-lasting; Showy
Leaf size
3-6 inches long, < 1 inch wide
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
Broad, glaucous and strappy.
Flower form
Insignificant; Spike
Flower size
< 1 inch
Flower detail
Blooms from April to June
Bloom time
Spring
Fruit type
Achene
Fruit detail
Displays from May to July
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Native
Origin
Canada, 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
Riparian; Rock Wall; Woodland
Landscape theme
Butterfly Garden; Fairy Garden; Native Garden; Shade Garden; Water Garden