Pennsylvania Sedge (Carex pensylvanica)

Pennsylvania Sedge (Carex pensylvanica) is a shade-loving, semi-evergreen sedge with wispy, glossy deep green foliage. Small, feathery white staminate spikelets with dark purple scales appear in early spring.

Grow in part sun to full shade and well-drained soil. This drought-tolerant sedge brings fine texture to woodland gardens and borders.

Growing details

• Plant type: Semi-evergreen ornamental sedge
• Native range: North-central and eastern North America, including Georgia
• Listed mature height: 1–1.5 feet
• Mature spread: 1–2 feet
• Spacing: Approximately 1 foot apart
• Hardiness: USDA zones 3–8
• Light: Part sun to full shade
• Soil: Well-drained
• Flowers: Small white staminate spikelets with dark purple scales in early spring
• Foliage: Wispy, glossy deep green leaves

Care and garden use

This low-maintenance sedge can grow in near-full sun if soil remains consistently moist, though foliage color may be less vivid. Cut foliage to the ground and remove it in late winter.

Use as an accent or in grouped plantings, borders, woodland gardens, wildlife gardens, naturalized areas, native gardens, rock gardens, or containers. Pair with wild columbine, goldenstar, or prairie smoke where growing conditions suit each plant.

Image credits: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, Carex pensylvanica kz1, CC BY-SA 4.0; (2) sharon_k, photo; (3) The Plantography Project, Pennsylvania Sedge (Carex pensylvanica); (4) Doug McGrady, Carex pensylvanica (Pennsylvania sedge), Sleeping Giant State Park, Hamden, CT. Plants naturally vary in appearance and may differ from the images shown.