Species Black-Spiked Sedge
gold-brown spikelets with green foliage

Black-Spiked Sedge

Carex melanostachya

Black-Spiked Sedge (Carex melanostachya) is a perennial sedge native to North America. It is found in wetland habitats including marshes, swamps, meadows, and wet woodlands. The species has narrow green leaves that grow in a slightly arching manner, rising up to 1 foot tall. Its distinguishing feature is the unique black spiky clusters of flower heads at the end of the stems. This sedge provides food and habitat for many different types of wildlife, including birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Carex melanostachya is a low maintenance species and prefers moist, shady locations. It adds vibrancy and beauty to any landscape, making it an excellent choice for gardeners looking for an eye-catching accent plant.

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Division,Seed Propagation,Cutting

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Black-Spiked Sedge plants should be watered once every 7-10 days, providing about 1 inch of water per session. The plants can tolerate occasional drought, however will experience better growth if they are watered consistently. Water the base of the plant, avoiding the leaves. In addition to this consistent watering, you can also mist the leaves of your sedge plants in order to provide additional moisture and help encourage growth.

sunlight

Black-Spiked Sedge grows best in full-sun to partial shade, meaning it should receive at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight per day. It should generally receive the most amount of sunlight during the mid- to late-afternoon. During the hottest months, like summer, the plant may benefit from some additional shade, as too much sun during this time can cause the leaves to become scorched and brown. Generally, the plant should receive up to 8 hours of sunlight during a sunny day in the late spring or early Autumn.

pruning

Pruning Black-Spiked Sedge (Carex melanostachya) is recommended to be done annually in late winter or early spring, before new growth occurs. In mild climates, pruning can be done anytime between late February and early April. Pruning should be done gently, taking care not to damage the foliage or stems. Remove any dead, damaged or diseased foliage and trim away any overly vigorous growth. Care should be taken not to remove more than a third of the height of the plant or to over-prune. This will ensure the plant remains healthy and vigorous throughout the coming growing season and can also help to control the size and shape of the plant in the landscape.