Species Small-Awned Sedge

Small-Awned Sedge

Carex microchaeta

Small-Awned Sedge is a perennial native to wet meadows and marshlands from southern Canada to the northern United States. It has light green foliage that forms a tuft of arching leaves from the base. The leaves, up to 8 inches long, are narrow with rough edges. The flowers bloom from June to August and are highly visible within the foliage. The flower heads, light green, are circular and long-stalked, covered in fine, small awns. Small-Awned Sedge is an attractive addition to a wildflower meadow and will attract a variety of wildlife. It's easy to grow in wet to moist soils and tolerates partial shade.

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Division,Seed Propagation,Cutting,Stolon,Rhizome Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,yellow

Growth Rate:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Small-Awned Sedge should be watered when the soil is dry to the touch. Generally, during the growing season, this plant should be watered once to twice a week. During seasons with hotter temperatures, such as summer, the plant should be watered more often. Water the soil, not the plant itself. When watering, make sure to water the soil until it is fully saturated. Watering deeply and infrequently is best for Small-Awned Sedge. Make sure the soil is draining properly to avoid water pooling around the plant.

sunlight

Small-Awned Sedge tolerates a wide variety of sunlight exposure, and does not require full sunlight to thrive. In fact, this species can tolerate locations with partial sun or filtered shade. It is best to provide the plant with moderate to bright indirect sunlight throughout the day. In its ideal location the sedge will receive some morning and afternoon sun. The optimal time for light exposure is 4 to 6 hours per day.

pruning

Small-Awned Sedge is a species that requires limited amounts of pruning in order to maintain its shape and form. If needed, prune the plant once every 2 to 3 years in the late spring or early summer. Start by removing any dead or damaged fronds from the plant. Pay close attention to the center fronds, as they can often become overgrown and can interfere with the overall shape of the plant. Additionally, trim any fronds that have grown too long or have become too lanky. When pruning, don’t cut too much of the plant at 1 time to keep it healthy. Clear away any missing or damaged leaves from the ground around the plant to encourage air circulation and avoid disease. Finally, apply a balanced fertilizer to the soil to improve its overall health and promote vigorous growth.