Looking very much like grass, sedges are a diverse group that can thrive in the toughest places! Some will grow well in dry shade under a tree while others can handle wet riparian areas. They provide great texture as a groundcover and are stunning when planted en masse. Not only do sedges offer protective cover for wildlife, their seeds are also a food source for game birds, waterfowl, and songbirds.
Mt. Cuba Center has officially published their four-year “Carex for the Mid-Atlantic Region” trial results. The “Top Performers” earned that status based on weekly/biweekly evaluations of plant vigor and foliage quality. Plants were assessed in full sun and shade, average soil (no fertilizer was added). Visit the link above for further details and to download a helpful spreadsheet about each carex species that includes size, form, bloom time, texture, sun, moisture, and more.
These native plant guides cover general growing conditions as well as helpful tips and fun facts. All content may be downloaded for free in an effort to help spread native plant awareness. While they may be downloaded and printed for personal or educational purposes, they are not to be sold for commercial use.
Master List
Click on the species scientific name to jump to it’s Fact Sheet below.
Click on the common name to visit a separate web page for that species (includes Fact Sheets, Quick Cards, and more info when available).
SEDGES
- Carex amphibola – Creek Sedge
- Carex appalachica – Appalachian Sedge
- Carex cherokeensis – Cherokee Sedge
- Carex crinita – Fringed Sedge
- Carex eburnea – Ivory Sedge
- Carex flaccosperma – Blue Wood Sedge
- Carex intumescens – Shining Bur Sedge
- Carex pensylvanica – Pennsylvania Sedge
- Carex plantaginea – Seersucker Sedge
- Carex radiata – Eastern Star Sedge
- Carex rosea – Rosy Sedge
- Carex stricta – Tussock Sedge
- Carex vulpinoidea – Fox Sedge
RUSHES
NEW
- Carex intumescens – Shining Bur Sedge
- Carex flaccosperma – Blue Wood Sedge
- Carex rosea – Rosy Sedge
*Please note, as Arcadia Natives is located in Pennsylvania, most companion plants suggested on the Fact Sheets are for the Mid-Atlantic region. Always do your research first and choose plants that are native to your ecoregion.
Sedges
Rushes
NEW
Updated 06/20/2025
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