Species Smoothstem Sedge

Smoothstem Sedge

Carex laeviculmis

Smoothstem Sedge (Carex laeviculmis) is an attractive perennial sedge of the Cyperaceae family with a tufted habit and a long flowering season. Its narrow green leaves are lance-shaped and smooth-edged, giving rise to its common name. It bears panicles of tiny, creamy-white flowers in the summer months, and clusters of light brown seed heads in the autumn. It is a hardy species that prefers moist, shady places, and is suitable for damp gardens, wildflower meadows, and even woodland areas. Its attractive clumping habit makes it especially attractive along water margins or in wet hollows.

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Stolon

Hardiness Zone:

Flowers:

Yellow|Green/Brown Flowers

Sun:

Partial Shade

Soil:

Loam

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

watering

Smoothstem Sedge generally prefers moist soil and should typically be watered twice a week. During the height of the summer, water it more frequently as the soil can dry out more quickly when temperatures are higher. You can fulfill its watering needs by giving it a deep soak of 1 - 1.5 inches (2.5-3.5 cm) of water at a time. After the initial soak, allow the top 1 inch (2.5 cm) of soil to dry out before watering again. In general, the soil should only be kept consistently moist and not saturated.

sunlight

Smoothstem Sedge prefers full sun or partial shade, so it should receive several hours of direct sunlight each day. The best time for it to receive its maximum amount of sunlight is in the late morning and early afternoon. It should receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. If planted in partial shade, the plant will need at least 3-4 hours of direct sunlight each day.

pruning

Smoothstem Sedge is a hardy, evergreen grass-like plant and it benefits from occasional pruning. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring, before new growth appears. Care must be taken not to over-prune the plant as this will weaken it. Prune back top growth by 1-third to 1-half, making sure to avoid removing too much of the foliage. Be sure to remove dead, diseased, or dying leaves and other growth to keep the plant healthy. Avoid damaging surrounding plants while pruning.

Season

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

Smoothstem Sedge typically starts flowering in May.