Species black sedge
lime-brown spikelet, lime-yellow leaves and stems.

black sedge

Carex nigra

Also Known As - Smooth Black Sedge
Black sedge (Carex nigra) is an amazing addition to any garden. It features attractive black foliage and slender, graceful stems. The foliage is very dense, making it a great barrier against weeds and erosion. It produces an abundance of purple or pink flower spikes, adding a nice burst of color. This sedge prefers moist soils and is usually found in wetlands, riparian habitats, and along stream banks where it will form large dense clusters. It’s fairly low maintenance and can be allowed to spread naturally to create a beautiful groundcover. Thanks to its ability to tolerate wet conditions and its attractive foliage color, Black sedge is a wonderful addition to any garden.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Rhizome Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 8

Flowers:

Green/Brown Flowers

Sun:

Sun, Partial Shade

Fruits:

brown,black Fruits Ready In

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,black

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Black sedge should be watered 2 to 3 times a week during its active growing season (spring to fall). During this time, the soil should be kept moist but not soggy. Each irrigation should last for about 15 minutes and should use enough water so that it penetrates the soil about 6 inches deep. During winter months, the amount of water should be reduced, and watering should be done about once every 2 weeks.

sunlight

Black sedge (Carex nigra) is an evergreen, sun-loving species of sedge found throughout much of the US. It does best when grown in moist, well-draining soils in full sunlight to partial shade. In general, full sun is preferable to partial shade for this species. If grown in partial shade, it may become spindly and may become prone to disease. To ensure the best growth, provide 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day.

pruning

Black sedge is a fast-growing perennial often used in gardens for its attractive foliage. Pruning of black sedge should be done in the late winter or early spring before new growth appears. It is best to prune back the plants to 1-2 inches of the soil line. The exact amount of pruning that should take place depends on the size and shape desired for the finished look of the plant. Pruning back too much can reduce the plants vigor so if possible, try to minimize the amount of foliage removed.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Black sedge typically starts flowering in May.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Carex nigra typically begins in late June and continues through August.

Hardiness Map