Carex Pensylvanica | Pennsylvania Sedge

Pennsylvania Sedge {3 1/2 in. Pots, min 25}

34 customer reviews

Carex pensylvanica (AKA C. marginata, C. stolonifera, Oak Sedge, Penn Sedge, Yellow Sedge, Early Sedge)

Pronunciation: KARE-eks pen-sil-VAN-ih-kah
Product: 9398

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Temporarily out of stock. Expected 06/28/2022.

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We're convinced Carex pensylvanica is not perfectly named. More suitable might be Water Fountain Grass, but no matter what you call it, Carex pensylvanica is a stop-you-in-your-tracks soft Sedge that seems to sway to the rhythm of the wind. Pennsylvania Sedge shifts with the seasons forming a carpet of peridot green in spring and turning to a sandy-golden tan in autumn.

While most ornamental Sedges grow best in moist or wet soil, Pennsylvania Sedge is an exception to that rule preferring dry soil and even tolerating drought. A low (6-12 inches), clumping perennial, it thrives in dry soil and remains lush while binding the soil with its dense roots making it perfect for erosion control.

With its tough disposition and spreading habit, this native grass makes an excellent semi-evergreen groundcover that elegantly arches to the ground in a regal bow. Fine texture and fountaining clumps make this a lovely underplanting for bolder shade perennials or on its own as a shade lawn.

Because it does well in full sun or shade and it has a restrained spreading fashion, Pennsylvania Sedge plays nicely with other plants. Clusters of brown seed capsules cling high on the stems adding both textural and color interest in addition to a feast for hungry birds.

Given excellent drainage and moderately moist to dry humus-rich soil, this plant will spread moderately fast and relentlessly by rhizomes. Depending on the soil moisture, this Sedge will spread between 3-8 inches per year and when planted in mass, the reddish-brown, thimble-like flowers and fountaining foliage create a gorgeous field-like, almost wild effect.

If you have a large empty canvas that needs low-maintenance filling with guaranteed color and texture, this Sedge is a must have.

Things to Note
Irrigation is recommended for full sun application in southern zones.

Gardener Tips
To use as a turf grass, mow 2-3 times a year, when 3-4 inches tall.

See other plants that go well with this plant.

General information about Carex (Sedge):
Carex, a splendid Sedge, yields graceful arching foliage that bends and bows, creating a lush, green coverage of color like a fresh coat of paint. Often used as a bold accent, for borders and mass plantings, in containers, or as a groundcover in shade and rock gardens, Carex can also be planted along banks of ponds, incorporated into perennial gardens, grouped together, and utilized as a ground cover along walkways, paths or on sloping banks.

Carex is wonderful for erosion control, deer and disease resistant, long-lasting and easy to grow. Low-maintenance, non-invasive, and dense to the point of choking out weeds, Carex spreads by rhizomes (slowly in dry soils and moderately fast in wet soils).

An excellent alternative to ivy and Pachysandra, Carex produces small, cream to brown, bottlebrush-like flowers in late spring that are rather insignificant to the plant's ornamental value. Most ornamental sedges grow best in moist or wet soil, however we do offer Pennsylvania Sedge which is an exception to that rule.

As a complete lawn substitute, water feature plant, or simply a container at your front entrance, Carex will give a lush, tropical feeling to your garden.

Gardener Tips
Sedge looks its best when the foliage is cut back in late winter or early spring before new growth occurs.

Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system.

In northern zones, it does best when planted out of the way of winter winds and provided with some protection such as snow or straw.

You simply cannot go wrong pairing a large garden scape of Coreopsis and Carex. Even in potted plantings, the golden blossoms of Coreopsis are a lovely foil to any Sedge.

See all Carex (Sedge)

Specifications

Cold hardiness zone: 4-9 (-30 degrees F) - Contact your local extension to confirm hardiness if you are in a fringe zone (we cannot guarantee hardiness in fringe zones)
AHS Heat Zone: 9-1
Light: Full sun Part sun Shade
Growth rate: Moderate
Mature height: 6-12"
Spread: 6-12"
Spacing: 6-12"
Tolerant of: Deer, Drought, Wet Conditions, Rabbits
pH of Soil: 4.5 - 8.0, Ideal pH: 5.5 - 6.5
Attracts: Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Grows Under Trees: Conifer - Yes, Walnut - Yes, Other - Yes
Good for borders & edging: Yes
Spreads by creeping: Yes
Good for erosion control: Yes
Evergreen: Yes
Native to the U.S.: Yes
Good for slopes: Yes
Weed suppressor (once established): Yes

Reviews

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Well packaged
10/20/2020 By Michael Gannon (NY)
Product reviewed: Pennsylvania Sedge {3 1/2 in. Pots, min 25}

Arrived in great shape. No spilled soil or flattened plants.

Pennsylvania Sedge
07/08/2020 By Anne Humpich (IL)
Product reviewed: Pennsylvania Sedge {3 1/2 in. Pots, min 25}

Beautiful healthy plants

Great service and quality
06/30/2020 By Barbara Lakin (NY)
Product reviewed: Pennsylvania Sedge {3 1/2 in. Pots, min 25}

I have ordered twice; the first time I ordered with Amazon, and I was contacted by the owner as he was concerned that the delivery had been delayed and would affect the plants' condition and he offered to replace any that were under par. I was so impressed... Read full review >

So far so great
05/06/2020 By Julia Harris (MI)
Product reviewed: Pennsylvania Sedge {3 1/2 in. Pots, min 25}

The plants arrived super green and healthy. Doing well in establishing themselves.

Not a success
02/19/2020 By James Everhart (MD)
Product reviewed: Pennsylvania Sedge {3 1/2 in. Pots, min 25}

Nearly all died. I have acquired C pennsylvanica from several sources. Despite planting as directed, none have done well. Seems finicky compared with other sedges.

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02/19/2020 Classy Groundcovers comment:
If you had the same results from plants... Read full review >

Shipping

No unusual shipping concerns for this plant.

FREE SHIPPING - Classy Groundcovers offers free shipping, and your plants never spend more than three days in transit.

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Care

To use as a turf grass, mow 2-3 times a year, when 3-4 inches tall.

Irrigation is recommended for full sun application in southern zones.

Sedge looks its best when the foliage is cut back in late winter or early spring before new growth occurs.

Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system.

General information that applies to all plants:
- Ground preparation, fertilization, pH
- Planting instructions
- Explanation and description of bare roots
- How to plant bare root plants
- If you cannot plant bare roots right away