Species Rocky Mountain Sedge
yellow-green foliage with stems

Rocky Mountain Sedge

Carex backii

Also Known As - Back's Sedge
Rocky Mountain Sedge (Carex Backii) is a short-lived perennial grass. It is native to high elevations in the Rocky Mountains of North America. It has fine, slender stems with narrow blades. The foliage is a bright green and the flowers are small and greenish-brown. This sedge is an excellent choice for rocky gardens and provides year-round color and interest in the landscape. It is easy to care for and drought-tolerant once established, making it an excellent addition to any garden. Plus, the deer and rabbits tend to stay away from the species, making it even more desirable.

Watering:

Average

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

watering

Watering should be done deeply but infrequently; this species prefers its water source to be slow and steady rather than over-watering and then allowing it to dry out until the next song. As a general rule of thumb, Sedge plants should receive about 1-1.5 inches of water each week, including rainfall. If natural rainfall is not sufficient, then supplementing is recommended. During intense periods of heat or droughts, it may be beneficial to water Sedge plants more frequently, but as much as possible aim for the 1-1.5 inch range. Make sure to check the soil moisture levels before deciding to water as Sedge plants do not tolerate being over-watered.

sunlight

Sedge (Carex atrosquama x) grows best in full sun, which means that it should be exposed to direct sunlight for at least 6-8 hours per day. If the plants are not getting enough sunlight, they may become weak and lethargic. In addition, the leaves may become pale or yellow. It is important to provide this plant species with the correct amount of sunlight to ensure optimal growth and health.

pruning

Most sedge plants, including Carex atrosquama x, benefit from pruning, which should take place in spring and late summer. In the spring, late frosts will often cause dieback or the development of growths that are not the best form. Pruning back these tips and shoots will promote fuller and more attractive growth. In late summer, dead foliage can be removed to make way for new foliage and flowers. Pruning should be done sparingly to maintain the natural shape of the plant and not remove more than 1-third of the foliage.

Season

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

⚠️ Perenual and its members cannot be held liable for any health issues that may arise from the information provided on the website or from using any of the plants found on the site. The information provided is intended to be used as general guidelines only.