Species Michaux's Sedge
lime spikelets with lime-green foliage

Michaux's Sedge

Carex michauxiana

Michaux's Sedge (Carex michauxiana) is an herbaceous perennial native to many parts of North America, from Canada to Florida. This clumping sedge can reach heights of up to 1 meter and can spread up to 60cm in diameter. Its stems are often in a zig-zag shape and are hairless with triangular stems. The long, flat, light-green leaves are 12 to 20 cm long and have coarse margins. During the summer months, the plant produces small inconspicuous, greenish-colored flowers. This sedge requires moist soils that are well-drained and prefers partial sun to partial shade. It is often used in moist meadows and woodlands as an ornamental. Michaux's Sedge is also known to be moderately drought tolerant once established.

Watering:

Minimal

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Stolon

Hardiness Zone:

Flowers:

Green/Brown Flowers

Sun:

Sun, Partial Shade

Soil:

Sand

Fruits:

brown Fruits Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

watering

Michaux's Sedge should be watered regularly but carefully. The soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. Watering should be done early in the morning or late in the evening, to minimize evaporation from direct sunlight. Plants should receive approximately 1 to 2 inches of water per week, either through rainfall or from irrigation.

sunlight

Michaux's Sedge (Carex michauxiana) is generally a shade-loving species, however it can benefit from some direct sunlight during the cooler parts of the day. This plant should be placed in a location that gets 4-6 hours of indirect, filtered sunlight in the morning, and dappled shade for the remainder of the day. The summer months, when the sun is at its strongest, provide the longest and strongest rays of direct sunlight, and this is when Michaux's Sedge should be kept in the shade for the majority of the day.

pruning

Michaux's Sedge should be pruned every year in late spring or early summer, when the growth is actively taking place. Depending on the size of the plant, it should be cut back by anywhere between 1 and 2 thirds, removing any dead, damaged, or overcrowded stems. This can also help to stimulate better air circulation and increased light penetration in the area, ultimately leading to improved plant health. Additionally, care should be taken to ensure the plant isn't over-pruned, as removing too much can leave it vulnerable to disease and other unwanted pests.

Season

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

Michaux's Sedge typically starts flowering in April.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Carex michauxiana typically begins in late June and continues through August.