Species Fescue Sedge
lime-green flowers with white-green foliage

Fescue Sedge

Carex brevior

Also Known As - Shortbeak Sedge,Plains Oval Sedge
Fescue Sedge (Carex brevior) is a clump-forming perennial grass-like sedge plant. Its erect stems have straight, narrow leaves that range from blue-green to yellow-green in color. The foliage can reach heights of up to three feet and its flowers bloom in May and June. Small reddish brown spikes can be seen growing at the tips of the stems. This species can tolerate a number of different soil types, including heavy clay, sand, and loam. Fescue Sedge requires full sun and can be used for a variety of garden applications, such as in native plant gardens, rock gardens, and as a groundcover. It can also be used in areas with high water or as a natural edge to ponds or streams.

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Division,Seed Propagation,Cutting,Root Division

Hardiness Zone:

Flowers:

Green/Brown Flowers

Sun:

full sun,part sun/part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Low

watering

Fescue Sedge needs to be watered moderately and regularly. Water the plant deeply about 2 to 3 times a week during the spring, summer and fall months, and once a week during the winter months if the soil is dry. Avoid watering too frequently, as this can cause root rot. In general, the soil should be moist but not soggy. Make sure the soil is well-draining, so excess water is able to drain away. During extended periods of hot dry weather, increase the frequency of watering to ensure the plant is adequately watered.

sunlight

Fescue Sedge (Carex brevior) requires about 4 to 5 hours of direct sunlight per day. This species also prefers bright but indirect sunlight, so it is best to place it in a spot that gets direct sunlight most of the day but also has periods of shade. Morning sunlight is preferred for Fescue Sedge as it helps the plant to conserve its water resources and prevent its shoots and leaves from burning out in the afternoon. During the summer, the plant should be shaded in the afternoon for better growth. During the winter, however, when the daylight hours are shorter, this species will require more direct sunlight to keep growing. Additionally, Fescue Sedge should be given 2 to 3 hours of indirect sunlight on cloudy days during all seasons to keep it healthy.

pruning

Fescue Sedge (Carex brevior) should be pruned in early spring when plants begin to emerge. Remove all dead foliage and any unwanted plants from around the cultivar. For a more natural look, prune cultivated Fescue Sedge just enough to maintain its mounding form. Begin by removing any brown foliage, old flower stalks, and dead stems. If desired, you may also remove some of the new growth that has not been growing vigorously. Try to limit each pruning session to no longer than 1/3 of the total foliage. Fescue Sedge may need additional pruning throughout the season in order to maintain its desired shape and size. Pruning more than 1/3 of the foliage during any single pruning session may stress the plant and can lead to its eventual decline.

Season

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

Fescue Sedge typically starts flowering in May.