Species James' Sedge
silver-green foliage

James' Sedge

Carex jamesii

Also Known As - Grass Sedge
James' Sedge (Carex jamesii) is a native evergreen grass-like perennial with fine-textured leaves. It is found growing in wet meadows and ditches and often forms large clumps. The leaves are linear and straplike with light green to gray-green blades; they can reach up to a foot in length and have a two-tiered shape. The plant blooms in the summer with a loose, delicate flowerhead with individual florets. Its brown fruits are shaped like a banana. James' Sedge is a great addition to wetland gardens, as it adds movement and texture to the landscape. It also provides good habitat for wildlife.

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Seed Propagation,Cutting,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Flowers:

Green/Brown Flowers

Sun:

Partial Shade, Deciduous Shade (Spring Sun)

Soil:

Loam, Humus Enriched

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

James' Sedge should be watered regularly. During the warmer months, water the plant every 3 to 4 days; in the cooler months, water every 5 to 7 days. When watering, ensure that the soil is well-draining and moist but not soggy. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out slightly between watering. Additionally, it is recommended to mist the foliage of the plant with a spray bottle every few days. This is especially important during the warmer months, when the outside air can be dry and the foliage is prone to browning.

sunlight

James' Sedge would do best in a bright, sunny location with several hours of direct sunlight each day. This plant prefers at least 4 hours of direct sunlight each day, and can tolerate up to 8 hours. Too much direct sunlight may cause the leaves to scorch, so if it is placed in a very sunny spot, it is a good idea to provide some afternoon shade.

pruning

James' Sedge can be pruned from late winter until early summer. It is best to start with a light pruning, cutting the stems back by about 1 third. This will help to promote an even, compact shape with more branching and fuller growth. Care should be taken when pruning to avoid cutting off stems that are still attached to the ground. For an established plant, pruning may be carried out as often as every 2–3 years, while younger plants may need to be pruned more often in order to ensure an even, compact shape.

Season

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

James' Sedge typically starts flowering in April.