Species Coastal Stellate Sedge

Coastal Stellate Sedge

Carex echinata subsp. phyllomanica

Also Known As - Star Sedge
Coastal Stellate Sedge is an attractive, grass-like perennial found growing in wet salt marshes and seasonally flooded areas along the coast. Its arching stems reach up to 16 inches tall and produce stiff, wiry blades up to 8 inches long that are bright green above and softly white-hairy underneath. Atop each stem is a coppery-orange spike, densely packed with flowers. These small flowers protrude slightly above the foliage, lending a delicate look to the plant. Its ability to tolerate salt and drought make Coastal Stellate Sedge an excellent choice for coastal gardens.

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Division,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

watering

Coastal Stellate Sedge plants should be watered just enough to keep the soil moist but not soggy. The amount of water needed will vary depending on the weather conditions and the soil type. In general, you should water the plants once every 10-14 days during the growing season, increasing to twice per week in extremely hot and dry conditions. When watering, it is important to provide enough water to reach the lowest roots. If overhead watering is used, keep it on the plant for around 10 minutes. It is also important to be mindful of the soil types when watering Coastal Stellate Sedge; sandy soils will require more frequent irrigation than clay soils.

sunlight

Coastal Stellate Sedge grows best in full sunlight, and ideally, it should receive between 4-6 hours of direct sunlight each day. It is tolerant of some shade, but it will not thrive without the direct rays of the sun. In general, it should be planted in an area with bright, morning sunlight, and then the sun should be shaded in the afternoon. This plant species does not receive ample rain or other forms of moisture, so it's beneficial to irrigate it with a garden hose or sprinkler every few weeks.

pruning

Coastal Stellate Sedge should be pruned in late spring and early fall. When pruning, start by removing any dead or diseased stems and branches. Then, carefully remove any overly long, dry, or damaged growth. Finally, lightly trim new growth at the tips of the leaves to maintain the desired shape and size. When pruning, ensure that at least 2-thirds of the plant remains to help ensure its health and growth. Pruning should be done in moderation in order to avoid stressing out the plant and allowing it to regenerate quicker.

Season

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

Coastal Stellate Sedge typically starts flowering in May.