Create Your Garden

Carex stricta (Tussock Sedge)

Upright Sedge, Uptight Sedge, Tussock Sedge, Carex stricta var. strictior, Carex strictior

Carex stricta, Upright Sedge, Uptight Sedge, Tussock Sedge, Carex stricta var. strictior, Carex strictior

Carex stricta (Tussock Sedge) is a rhizomatous evergreen sedge forming a dense tussock of grass-like, rich blue-green leaves. As the leaves die off, they form a distinctive, elevated mounded clump or tussock surrounding the base, hence the common name. In late spring, green flower spikes appear above the foliage, turning chocolate brown as they mature. Deer and wet soil tolerant, Tussock Sedge requires very little care and provides year-round interest. Native to eastern North America, it is well suited to a shoreline and adds a pretty fountain shape in the water garden, where it provides good cover for birds and frogs.

  • Grows up to 12-36 in. tall (30-90 cm) and 12-24 in. wide (30-60 cm). Spreads by rhizomes to form large colonies.
  • Performs best in full sun to part shade in moist to wet, acidic or neutral soils. It will even grow in shallow water 2-3 in. deep (5-7 cm). Tolerates seasonal flooding.
  • This is an excellent plant for plantings near ponds and streams where its foliage can be reflected for double the pleasure. Can be grown as an accent plant or a ground cover too.
  • No serious pest or disease issues. deer resistant. 
  • Native to North America.

Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 8
Heat Zones 3 - 9
Plant Type Ornamental Grasses, Perennials
Plant Family Cyperaceae
Genus Carex
Common names Sedge
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 1' - 3'
(30cm - 90cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 24" (60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average, High
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Moisture Retentive, Poorly Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United States, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Maryland, Delaware, Maine, Connecticut, Vermont, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Northeast, Southwest, Southeast, Midwest, Illinois, South Dakota, Missouri, Nebraska, Indiana, Minnesota, Michigan, Iowa, Wisconsin, Ohio, Kansas, North Dakota, West Virginia, Kentucky, Georgia, Arkansas, Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas
Tolerance Deer, Clay Soil, Wet Soil
Attracts Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Ground Covers, Ponds And Streams
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Carex (Sedge)
Guides with
Carex (Sedge)
Not sure which Carex (Sedge) to pick?
Compare Now

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

Asclepias incarnata (Swamp Milkweed)
Iris versicolor (Blue Flag)
Juncus effusus (Common Rush)
Iris virginica (Southern Blue Flag)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Create a Garden with Great Winter Interest
Pretty Sedges for your Containers
Great Ornamental Grasses for your Winter Garden
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.
Buy Plants

Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 8
Heat Zones 3 - 9
Plant Type Ornamental Grasses, Perennials
Plant Family Cyperaceae
Genus Carex
Common names Sedge
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 1' - 3'
(30cm - 90cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 24" (60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average, High
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Moisture Retentive, Poorly Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United States, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Maryland, Delaware, Maine, Connecticut, Vermont, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Northeast, Southwest, Southeast, Midwest, Illinois, South Dakota, Missouri, Nebraska, Indiana, Minnesota, Michigan, Iowa, Wisconsin, Ohio, Kansas, North Dakota, West Virginia, Kentucky, Georgia, Arkansas, Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas
Tolerance Deer, Clay Soil, Wet Soil
Attracts Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Ground Covers, Ponds And Streams
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Carex (Sedge)
Guides with
Carex (Sedge)
Not sure which Carex (Sedge) to pick?
Compare Now

Gardening Ideas

Plant Calculator

How many Carex stricta (Tussock Sedge) do I need for my garden?

Input your garden space dimensions

Your Shopping List

Plant Quantity
Carex stricta (Tussock Sedge) N/A Buy Plants

Please Login to Proceed

You Have Reached The Free Limit, Please Subscribe to Proceed

Subscribe to Gardenia

To create additional collections, you must be a paid member of Gardenia
  • Add as many plants as you wish
  • Create and save up to 25 garden collections
Become a Member

Plant Added Successfully

You have Reached Your Limit

To add more plants, you must be a paid member of our site Become a Member

Update Your Credit
Card Information

Cancel

Create a New Collection

Sign Up to Our Newsletter

    You have been subscribed successfully

    Join Gardenia.net

    Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

    Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

    Join now and start creating your dream garden!

    Join Gardenia.net

    Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

    Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

    Join now and start creating your dream garden!

    Find your Hardiness Zone

    Find your Heat Zone

    Find your Climate Zone