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Carex laxiculmis (Spreading Sedge)

Spreading Sedge, Creeping Sedge

Carex laxiculmis, Spreading Sedge, Creeping Sedge, Ornamental grasses, Blue Grass

Carex laxiculmis (Spreading Sedge) is a small evergreen sedge forming dense, rounded mounds of narrow, arching, blue-green leaves to 12 in. long (30 cm). In late spring to early summer, it bears inconspicuous, creamy-white flowers atop triangular flowering stems. Native to rich wooded areas in eastern North America, Spreading Sedge can be used as an accent or ground cover in moist woodland gardens, shaded perennial beds or containers. It is a great choice for naturalizing since this species slowly spreads to form a fine-textured ground cover.

  • Grows easily about 6-12 in. tall and wide (15-30 cm). This plant will spread over time by rhizomes to form a dense ground cover.
  • Performs best in part shade to full shade in medium to wet soils. Soils should not be allowed to dry out.
  • Perfect plant for borders, woodland gardens, near ponds and streams, to edge paths or walkways and as a ground cover.
  • No serious disease or pest issues. Deer resistant.
  • Cut the foliage to the ground in late winter.
  • Propagate by seed or division.
  • Native to Canada, the central and southeastern United States.

Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 9
Plant Type Ornamental Grasses
Plant Family Cyperaceae
Genus Carex
Common names Sedge
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 6" - 1'
(15cm - 30cm)
Spread 6" - 1'
(15cm - 30cm)
Spacing 12" (30cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average, High
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Moisture Retentive
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United States, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Missouri, Wisconsin, Indiana, Iowa, Illinois, Midwest, Michigan, Minnesota, Southeast, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Southwest, Oklahoma
Tolerance Full Shade, Deer, Wet Soil
Attracts Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio And Containers, Ponds And Streams, Small Gardens
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Carex appalachica (Appalachian Sedge)
Carex flacca ‘Blue Zinger’ (Blue Sedge)
Carex plantaginea (Plantain-Leaf Sedge)
Carex pensylvanica (Pennsylvania Sedge)
Carex tumulicola (Foothill Sedge)
Carex pseudocyperus (Sedge Hop)

Recommended Companion Plants

Iris cristata (Dwarf Crested Iris)
Phlox divaricata (Woodland Phlox)

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 9
Plant Type Ornamental Grasses
Plant Family Cyperaceae
Genus Carex
Common names Sedge
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 6" - 1'
(15cm - 30cm)
Spread 6" - 1'
(15cm - 30cm)
Spacing 12" (30cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average, High
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Moisture Retentive
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United States, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Missouri, Wisconsin, Indiana, Iowa, Illinois, Midwest, Michigan, Minnesota, Southeast, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Southwest, Oklahoma
Tolerance Full Shade, Deer, Wet Soil
Attracts Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio And Containers, Ponds And Streams, Small Gardens
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Carex (Sedge)
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Carex (Sedge)
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