Species Thick Head Sedge
dark-brown spikelets with brown-green foliage and stems

Thick Head Sedge

Carex macloviana

Also Known As - Thick Spike Sedge,Falkland Island Sedge
Thick Head Sedge (Carex macloviana) is a perennial grass-like plant native to California. It forms clumps of dense evergreen leaves, which are gray-green in color. The flowers are unobtrusive, but the seed heads are large and plump, resembling small brown ferules. This plant is ideal for a variety of landscaping uses, including in beds and borders, as edging along paths and hedges, and as an accent in a woodland garden. Its ability to thrive in a variety of soils makes it an easy choice for gardeners of all skill levels. Its deep root system is also beneficial for helping to conserve moisture and limiting soil erosion.

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Rhizome Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Flowers:

Green/Brown Flowers

Sun:

Sun, Partial Shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Thick Head Sedge (Carex macloviana) should be watered twice a week, targeting deep watering sessions that moisten the soil down to a depth of 4 inches. In dryer climates, once a week is okay. When it’s hot, watering twice a week helps the plant better withstand the heat. Apply enough water so that it penetrates the root zone, but avoid oversaturating, which can lead to root rot. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Water early in the morning or in the evening, as watering during the heat of the day can cause moisture to evaporate before the plant is able to take it up.

sunlight

Thick Head Sedge (Carex macloviana) does best in full sunlight to partial shade, especially if planted in drier, rocky soils. It prefers 4 to 6 hours of sun per day, although it can tolerate up to 8 hours of direct sunlight. This species should be protected from hot, afternoon sun and high temperatures. A spot with dappled sun and consistently moist, loamy soils is ideal for this sedge.

pruning

Thick head sedge (Carex macloviana) should be pruned to maintain the desired shape and size of the plant. When pruning, it is important to always avoid cutting off the flowering spikes, as they are responsible for producing the plant’s seeds. Pruning should be done in early spring before new growth begins, or in late summer after flowering has finished. If desired, hedges can be trimmed as needed throughout the growing season. When pruning, care should be taken to avoid cutting more than ⅓ of the overall plant height and to make sure that all cuts are clean and smooth. This will help ensure that the plant regrows evenly and remains healthy.

Season

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

Thick Head Sedge typically starts flowering in April.