Species Little Prickly Sedge
lime spikelets with yellow-green stems

Little Prickly Sedge

Carex echinata

Also Known As - Star Sedge
Little Prickly Sedge (Carex echinata) is a small, tufted grass-like sedge. It has narrow, blade-like leaves which stand erect in a star-like shape. The flower stalks are short and slim, reaching up to 8″ in length. Its tiny, oblong-shaped fruits are covered with sharp, spiky hairs, giving them a unique texture. Growing mostly in moist meadows and prairies, Little Prickly Sedge can be used ornamental ponds, Bog Gardens and terrariums. It's low maintenance and easy to grow, and its evergreen foliage provides contrast for rock gardens and walkways.

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Division,Seed Propagation,Cutting,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Flowers:

Green/Brown Flowers

Sun:

Sun, Partial Shade

Soil:

Sand

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

watering

Little Prickly Sedge should be watered 1 - 2 times per week. The soil should be kept consistently moist, but be sure not to overwater. During the warmer months, provide an inch of water per week, and increase this amount to 2 inches per week during the hottest part of the summer. During cooler months, reduce the amount of water to about half an inch per week, or as needed to prevent the soil from drying out. It is important to check the soil moisture levels prior to each watering. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before adding more water.

sunlight

Little Prickly Sedge thrives in full sun for most of the day. For optimal growth and health, it should receive at least 5-6 hours of direct sunlight each day. The best hours for sunlight are mid-morning to early afternoon, and afternoon sun should be avoided. If the plant does not receive enough sunlight, it may become stressed and begin to show signs of wilting or discoloration. During the hottest summer months, some shade in the afternoon is recommended to prevent the plant from burning or becoming too dry.

pruning

Little Prickly Sedge should be pruned in early spring before the new growth and flowering begins. Prune the plant by cutting off the dead stalks, gently removing any dead foliage, and thinning the stems. This will allow for better air circulation and will allow the remaining foliage to get more sunlight. Pruning should be done sparingly and no more than 1-third of the plant should be cut away. If the plant becomes overcrowded, you can cut a few of the oldest stems completely down to the root.

Season

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

Little Prickly Sedge typically starts flowering in May.