Species Bolander's Sedge
yellow-green foliage

Bolander's Sedge

Carex bolanderi

Bolander's Sedge (Carex bolanderi) is a tufted, perennial grass-like plant native to the western United States. It grows in wet, open areas with full sun to partial shade, and prefers cool, moist soils. The leaves are small, green, and narrow, and the flowering structures are curved and thread-like. It is often found in riverbanks, meadows, and other areas with consistently moist soil. Its bronzy-orange seed heads are used for food by songbirds, making it an attractive addition to gardens and meadows. There are also varieties with ornamental yellow or white foliage. Bolander's Sedge can be an effective groundcover and its drought resistance makes it perfect for low-maintenance landscaping.

Watering:

Minimal

Propagation:

Division,Seed Propagation,Cutting,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Bolander's Sedge should be watered regularly, but not too often. During spring and summer, these plants should be watered deeply and liberally about once a week; in winter, reduce watering to about once every 2 to 3 weeks. Additionally, while these plants prefer regular and consistent moisture, ample drainage is important. Be sure to avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot or other plant health issues. It is also important to make sure any excess water has a chance to drain away completely.

sunlight

Bolander's sedge thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. The ideal exposure for this species is a few hours of morning sun with afternoon shade or dappled sunlight from trees nearby. During the summer months, try to avoid exposing Bolander's sedge to direct sunlight for more than 3 to 4 hours each day and start providing more shade as sunrise approaches. During the winter months, Bolander's sedge enjoys more direct sunlight, up to 6 hours per day.

pruning

Bolander's Sedge should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning can be done to control its size. Because it has a naturally clumping habit, it should remain full and lush with careful pruning. Aim to remove 10-20% of the foliage, focusing on the oldest, woodiest stems and removing any dead or diseased plants. Be careful to not damage the healthy leaves and stems by pruning too aggressively. Pruning should be done on a regular basis to remove any dead or dying growth and encourage new, healthy growth. For best results, prune Bolander's Sedge several times a year.