Native Plants
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Carex pensylvanica
Carex pensylvanica Lam.
Pennsylvania Sedge
Cyperaceae (Sedge Family)
Synonym(s): Carex marginata, Carex pensylvanica var. glumabunda, Carex pensylvanica var. marginata, Carex pensylvanica var. vespertina, Carex stolonifera
USDA Symbol: CAPE6
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)
Pennsylvania sedge is a low, clumped, grass-like perennial, 6-12 in. high, with a cluster of brown seed capsules clinging high on the stem. Foliage is pale-green in spring and summer, turning sandy-tan in fall.
Rhizomatous turf-forming with pale-green arching leaves. Forms ground cover in forest or savannah (oak/pine or sugar maple) Prefers light-textured soils. Resistant to deer grazing. (Ontario Native Plants 2002)
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Grass/Grass-like
Root Type: Fibrous
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Leaf Shape: Linear
Leaf Venation: Parallel
Leaf Pubescence: Scabrous
Leaf Margin: Entire
Breeding System: Flowers Unisexual , Monoecious
Inflorescence: Spike
Fruit Type: Achene
Size Notes: Up to about 20 inches tall.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , Green , BrownBloom Time: May , Jun , Jul
Bloom Notes: Perianth absent. Bloom time refers to fruiting period for Carex spp.
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CT , DC , DE , GA , IA , IL , IN , KY , MA , MD , MI , MN , MO , NC , ND , NH , NJ , NY , OH , PA , RI , SC , SD , TN , VA , VT , WI , WVCanada: AB , NB , NS , ON
Native Distribution: S. Que. to s. Ont., ND & MT, s. to GA, AR & WY
Native Habitat: Dry to moist woods
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade , ShadeSoil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Dry to moist soils.
Conditions Comments: This is a fine ground cover, spreading relentlessly by rhizomes. Older patches may be invaded by other plants, probably because of the soil enrichment produced by the sedge.
Benefit
Attracts: BirdsPropagation
Description: Propagate by division of mature plants in spring, making sure each section has roots and leaves.Commercially Avail: yes
Mr. Smarty Plants says
Small perennials & grasses for a naturalized lawn
October 26, 2009
I am looking for native perennials and grasses that will grow no more than 8 inches tall that can be used in a naturalized lawn in Michigan. What 5 plants would be your first choice?
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Groundcover to reduce erosion for shady area in New York
May 05, 2009
We live on a lake with gravelly and clay soils, lots of wind and little sun. I am looking for a native ground cover that will help reduce erosion over some of the steep slopes facing south (under shad...
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Plants for a steep lot in Tennessee
August 07, 2008
I have built a home on a very steep lot (approx 1 1/2 acres)in Northern Central Tenn in Jackson County. The lot is too steep to mow and some of it is too steep to stand on comfortably. My question is...
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Groundcover for sunny yard in New Jersey
July 23, 2008
Hi. I'm looking for ground cover for a mostly sunny section of my yard. The ground we are looking to cover is next to a slight hill with in a few feet of an in ground pool. I would like something tha...
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From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Delaware Nature Society - Hockessin, DE
North American Native Plant Society - Etobicoke, ON
Mt. Cuba Center - Hockessin, DE
Bibliography
Bibref 946 - Gardening with Prairie Plants: How to Create Beautiful Native Landscapes (2002) Wasowski, SallySearch More Titles in Bibliography
Web Reference
Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Carex pensylvanica in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Carex pensylvanica in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Carex pensylvanica
Metadata
Record Modified: 2022-10-25Research By: TWC Staff