Alphabetical Plant Listing

Carex stricta (Tussock Sedge)

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.

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Requirements

Hardiness 3 – 8
Heat Zones 3 – 9
Plant Type Ornamental Grasses, Perennials
Plant Family Carex - Sedges
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)
Water Needs Average, High
Maintenance Low
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, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Southeast, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, Texas
Tolerance Clay Soil, Deer, Wet Soil
Attracts Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Ground Covers, Ponds and Streams
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage

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Bildagentur Zoonar GmbH, Shutterstock

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.


Requirements

Hardiness 3 – 8
Heat Zones 3 – 9
Plant Type Ornamental Grasses, Perennials
Plant Family Carex - Sedges
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)
Water Needs Average, High
Maintenance Low
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, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Southeast, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, Texas
Tolerance Clay Soil, Deer, Wet Soil
Attracts Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Ground Covers, Ponds and Streams
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage

Great Plant Combination Ideas with Carex - Sedges

Guides with Carex - Sedges

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