Carex pensylvanica

Pennsylvania Sedge (Carex pensylvanica) is a low-growing, fine-textured perennial sedge native to eastern North America. It forms loose, spreading colonies through rhizomes, creating a soft, grass-like groundcover that typically reaches 6-12 inches in height. Pennsylvania Sedge thrives in dry to medium soils and prefers part shade to full shade, making it ideal for woodland gardens or under deciduous trees. It is drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal supplemental watering, especially in shaded sites. This sedge is valued for its early spring green-up and ability to suppress weeds, providing year-round interest in naturalized landscapes.

Native range

Eastern North AmericaNative here

Bloom time

May – June

Garden location

South Deck Foundation