Carex plantaginea

Common Names

Seersucker Sedge, Plantain-Leaved Sedge, Broad-Leafed Sedge

Summary

Carex plantaginea, commonly called Plantain-leaved Sedge or Seersucker Sedge, is a native woodland sedge of eastern North America. It forms dense clumps of broad, bright green, puckered leaves that are semi-evergreen, with slender flowering stalks rising in spring bearing inconspicuous flowers. The bold foliage provides a textured, low-growing accent in shade gardens or along woodland borders.

In cultivation, this sedge prefers light to medium shade and moist, rich soils, tolerating rocky or alkaline soils and some drought, but dislikes full sun. It spreads slowly by short rhizomes and forms clumps; propagation by division is common, and late-winter cutbacks help maintain bright appearance. This sedge is deer resistant and suitable for ground cover, woodland borders, erosion control on shady slopes, or mass plantings in shade gardens.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

12-24 inches

Spread

8-12 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4-8

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Partial Shade to Full Shade.

Soil Type

Moist, well-drained soil

Soil Drainage

Moist, well-drained soil

Soil pH

6.1-6.5 (mildly acidic)

Bloom Color

Insignificant

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Slow, 2–5 years to reach ultimate height

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts butterflies, other pollinators, and birds