Species Forest Sedge
brown-lime spikelets with lime foliage

Forest Sedge

Carex lucorum

Forest Sedge is a perennial grass-like plant native to the southeastern United States. Its thin green stems reach heights up to two feet tall, branching off into fine, wiry foliage. During the early spring, (April-May) small, light brown flowers appear near the tips of the stems. This plant requires moist soil, and is often found in wetlands or low-lying areas. It's an ideal choice for erosion control due to its shallow, fibrous root system. Gardeners consider it an attractive choice for flower beds, adding early season interest and bits of texture amid larger plants.

Watering:

Minimal

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Flowers:

Flowers

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Fruits:

red,brown Fruits Ready In

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Forest Sedge grows best in moist soils and should be watered once weekly to every other week, depending on the temperature and humidity of the area. In especially hot or dry climates, you may need to water the plant more often – up to twice a week. When watering Forest Sedge, thoroughly saturate the soil to a depth of 4-6 inches. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so be careful not to over-water the plant.

sunlight

Forest Sedge (Carex lucorum) thrives in partially shaded to full sun locations and prefers moist, loamy soils. It can tolerate moderate drought and also does well in moist and wet clay or chalky soils. This plant species should receive 3-4 hours of direct sunlight per day. During the summer months, the proportion of direct sunlight should be increased to 6-7 hours a day. In the winter, the plant should receive an average of 2-3 hours of sunlight. When Forest Sedge is planted in an area that receives direct afternoon sun, it is best to provide some light shade to protect the plant from intense heat and light exposure.

pruning

For Forest Sedge (Carex lucorum), pruning should take place twice a year during its dormant season. In the spring, prune it back no more than 1 third of its current height. In the fall, it should be pruned back another 1 third from what was left after the spring pruning. This will encourage healthy new growth and will ensure that the plant does not become overgrown. In addition, it should be pruned away any dead or damaged foliage and stems. When pruning, always use sharp, clean pruning shears or loppers.

Season

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

Forest Sedge typically starts flowering in April.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Carex lucorum (Forest Sedge) typically begins in late June and continues through August.