Species Crawe's Sedge
lime-yellow spikelets with brown-green foliage and stems

Crawe's Sedge

Carex crawei

Also Known As - Early Fen Sedge
Crawe's Sedge (Carex crawei) is a common perennial sedge of the Great Plains. It can be found growing in wet meadows and along shorelines. This species has an upright, tufted form that grows between 6-18 inches tall. Its leaves are green and narrow. Its creamy white, fuzzy, egg-shaped seed heads are unique and attractive. Crawe's Sedge is found in North America across the southern Great Plains, from Nebraska to Texas and from Oklahoma to Colorado. It performs well in moist, sunny meadows, requiring full sun and poorly drained soil to thrive. This species can attract both hummingbirds and butterflies, adding additional beauty and interest to any garden.

Watering:

Minimal

Propagation:

Division,Seed Propagation,Cutting

Hardiness Zone:

Flowers:

Yellow|Green/Brown Flowers

Sun:

Sun

Soil:

Sand

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Crawe's Sedge should be watered 1 to 2 times a week. During the summer months when the temperatures are warmer, water more frequently. During winter, when the temperatures drop, water less often—but make sure to check the soil to make sure that it is not drying out. To water, use a watering can to sprinkle the soil but not so much that it becomes soggy. Water deeply, as this will encourage the plant's roots to grow deeper.

sunlight

Crawe's Sedge prefers full sun to partial shade and should be provided with a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight per day for optimal growth. It will grow in partial shade, but the foliage may not be as healthy or lush. When planted in full sun, Crawe's Sedge should be watered regularly to ensure the soil does not dry out too quickly. When planting the sedge in partial shade, it should also be given supplemental water and irrigation during dry periods. With proper care and adequate sunlight, Crawe's Sedge will thrive.

pruning

This grass-like plant species should be pruned once a year in late spring or early summer to keep a neat and manageable shape. Trimming the individual stems of the sedge to just above the ground will encourage healthy and dense re-growth. In the first few years, experimentation may be required to find the perfect balance of pruning to ensure the desired shape is attained. It is important to avoid over-pruning and cutting back more than necessary.

Season

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

Carex crawei typically starts flowering in April.