Species Heavy Sedge
lime-brown spikelets with green stem

Heavy Sedge

Carex gravida

Also Known As - Heavy Fruited Sedge,Long Awned Bracted Sedge
Heavy Sedge is a bright green, grass-like herbaceous perennial. It spreads vigorously by rhizomes, forming dense mats of foliage. It grows up to 16 inches tall and its leaves are 6-12 inches long. It blooms in the summer, producing cream or yellow-brown flowers. Heavy Sedge is drought-tolerant and is a popular choice for moist or dry meadows, gardens, and cover crops. It prefers sunny areas, though it can tolerate some shade. Its evergreen foliage can provide winter interest even in areas with light frosts. This hardy species can also be used for erosion control due to its strong growth habit and thick, extensive root systems.

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Flowers:

Green/Brown Flowers

Sun:

Sun, Partial Shade

Soil:

Clay, Loam

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Heavy Sedge should be watered once or twice a week. During each watering, use enough water to saturate the plant's root ball and the surrounding area. Do not saturate the leaves as this can damage them. Depending on the temperature and soil type, the amount of water you use will vary. For example, in cooler climates and/or soils with good drainage, use less water, whereas in hotter climates and/or soils with poor drainage, use more water. During the winter months, water less or not at all as Heavy Sedge is likely to go dormant.

sunlight

Heavy Sedge prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially during the hot summer months. Growth is most vigorous in areas that get 4-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. For optimal growth, the plants should receive at least 4 hours of direct sunlight during the peak midday light period. While direct sunlight is beneficial, plants do not require direct sunlight at all times of the day. In areas with extreme heat, it is best to provide some shade during the hottest hours of the day.

pruning

Heavy Sedge should be pruned annually early in the spring before new growth starts. Pruning should involve cutting back older foliage and stems to a few inches above the ground. This will encourage new growth and reduce the amount of spent foliage. Pruning heavily in the spring will also help to prevent any structural issues with the plant. When pruning, no more than 1-third of the plant should be removed at any time, as this could damage the health of the plant.

Season

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

Heavy Sedge typically starts flowering in April.