Species Black Sedge
gray-brown spikelets with lime-green foliage and stems

Black Sedge

Carex atratiformis

Also Known As - Scabrous Black Sedge,Blackish Sedge
Black Sedge is an attractive species of Carex that imparts a unique rich color to any landscape. This erect, perennial sedge, is native to the Eastern North America and features rich chocolate-black culms. Its arching, mounding habit and slender, narrow, dark green foliage contrasts beautifully against vibrant green lawns and ground cover. Black Sedge grows best in moist to wet soils and partial shade, and can tolerate full shade. It can reach up to six feet tall and can make a great addition for naturalized areas, woodland gardens and along ponds and streams. Its attractive foliage and rich color can bring year-round interest to any garden.

Watering:

Minimal

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Stolon,Rhizome Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Flowers:

Green/Brown Flowers

Sun:

Sun, Partial Shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Black Sedge (Carex atratiformis) prefers moist to wet soil and should be watered regularly. When it is first planted, it should be watered until the soil is moist, and then watered twice weekly until the plant is established. After that, it should be watered about once a week. In hot, sunny weather, the plant requires a little extra moisture and can benefit from watering 2 to 3 times weekly. Be sure not to over water, however, as this can lead to root rot.

sunlight

Black Sedge (Carex atratiformis) is resistant to shade and will perform best with full sun for 4-6 hours per day. This species of plant is native to moist, shady woodlands, so it can thrive in partial shade. When grown in full sun, the stems will be slightly sturdier, and it will have a much darker color. Light should be provided in the morning, so that the plant can photosynthesize and absorb energy during the day.

pruning

Black Sedge should be pruned in late fall or early winter. It responds well to both light and hard pruning. For light pruning, simply remove dead and damaged foliage and trim the edges of the plant to create a pleasing form. For hard pruning, trim any long shoots back to 1-third of the plant's length. Be sure to disinfect your pruning shears or other cutting tool after each cut to prevent the spread of any disease.

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.