Species Common Wood Sedge
light-green fruits, green leaves and stems

Common Wood Sedge

Carex blanda

Also Known As - Eastern Woodland Sedge,Creek Sedge
Common Wood Sedge (Carex blanda) is a shade-tolerant, perennial sedge of the Cyperaceae family native to temperate North America. It grows in moist woods, along streams and margins of lakes, usually in sunny to partly shaded areas, and often forms large colonies. The foliage of this tufted plant is light green, fine-textured, and grass-like, and forms a slender leaf blade about 3–4 inches in length. The flowering stems are grooved and reach a height of 8–10 inches, and each stem terminates in a slender, drooping inflorescence. This sedge is an important food source for birds and other wildlife, and provides cover and nesting habitat.

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Seed Propagation,Cutting,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Flowers:

Green/Brown Flowers

Sun:

Sun, Partial Shade, Shade

Soil:

Clay, Sand, Loam

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Common Wood Sedge should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Water your Common Wood Sedge plants once or twice a week. The best time for watering is in the morning or early evening when temperatures are cooler and the wind is light. Avoid watering in the afternoon when the heat is strong and the wind is blowing. Make sure the soil is adequately moist before applying water – if it is already wet, wait for the soil to dry before applying more water. To test the soil moisture, put your finger into the soil up to your first knuckle – if the soil feels very dry, it is time to water. Always water lightly and evenly around the plant to encourage even growth.

sunlight

Common Wood Sedge needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth. If planted in a partly sunny area, it will receive partial shade in the spring and full sun in the summer and fall. To ensure the best growing environment, it should be planted in an area with good air circulation and no nearby trees or shrubs that could cast too much shade. This species tends to grow better in light, consistently moist soils; it does not do well in soil that is overly dense or dry. It can tolerate minor flooding, but prefers slightly acidic, nutrient-rich soil. Overly wet conditions may lead to root rot and other issues.

pruning

Common Wood Sedge should be pruned in early spring or autumn. It should be pruned back to the basal foliage, removing no more than 1-third of the foliage. This species is a slow-growing grass and should not be pruned too heavily as it may take years for the foliage to regrow.

Season

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

Common Wood Sedge typically starts flowering in April.