Carex densa

Common Names

Dense Sedge

Summary

Carex densa, Dense Sedge, is an evergreen perennial sedge native to the western United States (Washington, Oregon, California). It forms dense green tussocks with erect culms about 1.5–2 ft tall and 2–3 mm in diameter, and leaves shorter than the culms, roughly 30–50 cm long and 3–7 mm wide; the leaf-sheath front is often cross-wrinkled with a ligule 0–4 mm long. The narrow, erect inflorescence is 3–5 cm long, consisting of numerous short spikes whose spikes are closely aggregated, producing a robust, textured accent plant for wetlands, moist meadows, and riparian zones.

Culture and use: thrives in full sun to partial shade with moist to wet soils, tolerating heavier soils such as clay, and is deer resistant. It is well suited to erosion control along banks, wetlands, rain gardens, and bioswales. Hardiness in USDA zones 7a through 9b; propagation can be by seed (fall sow, with cold stratification improving germination) or by division (replant divisions with roots attached).

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

24-28 inches

Spread

1.5-2.5 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 7a–9b

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Full Sun to Partial Shade.

Soil Type

Moist to wet soils

Soil Drainage

Moist to wet soil; tolerates seasonal flooding

Bloom Color

Insignificant

Bloom Time

Spring to Summer

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Semi-deciduous

Growth Rate

Fast

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts birds, no evidence of attraction for bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, or other pollinators