Carex cherokeensis

Common Names

Cherokee Sedge

Summary

Cherokee sedge is a native North American sedge occurring in the southeastern and south-central United States. It forms dense, slowly spreading clumps about 1–2 feet tall with a similar spread, featuring fine-textured, arching deep green leaves and evergreen to semi-evergreen foliage. In spring it bears slender, drooping seed spikes that are greenish and wheat-like, maturing to straw and brown as seeds form, adding subtle seasonal interest; it tolerates a wide range of soils, including clay, and can provide erosion control and wildlife habitat, making it suitable as groundcover or edging in shade gardens, woodland margins, and moisture-rich landscapes in USDA zones 6–9.

Cultivation emphasizes partial sun to shade and moist to wet soils; full sun is tolerated if moisture is maintained. Keep soil consistently moist and avoid drought; spacing about 12–24 inches helps establish colonies. Propagation is possible by division or seed. This low-maintenance plant is deer resistant and used for groundcovers, edging, rain gardens, meadow and prairie plantings, and as an attractive, wildlife-friendly addition to shade landscapes.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

12-24 inches

Spread

12 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 6-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Full Sun, Partial Shade, and Full Shade.

Soil Type

Moist, well-drained soil

Soil Drainage

Moist, well-drained soil

Soil pH

No single ideal soil pH; tolerant of a wide range from acidic to alkaline, commonly 6.0–8.0

Bloom Color

Insignificant

Bloom Time

Spring to Fall

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Semi-deciduous

Growth Rate

Slow

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds and Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts birds, attracts butterflies and other pollinators