Species Oval Sedge
brown-lime spikelets with lime-yellow stem

Oval Sedge

Carex ovalis

Also Known As - Eggbract Sedge
Oval Sedge (Carex ovalis) is a perennial plant native to wet grasslands throughout Europe. Its leaves are short and rounded with fine tips, and the stems are slightly flattened. Its root system is shallow and fibrous. In the spring, it bears small greenish or reddish flowers in dense clusters. Oval Sedge requires high moisture levels and is tolerant of shallow standing water; it grows well in perennial meadows, wet grasslands, and forest edges. New shoots tend to form in clumps, providing excellent fodder to grazing animals. Oval Sedge is an excellent herbaceous ground cover in rain gardens, ponds, wetlands, and other wetland environments.

Watering:

Minimal

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Rhizome Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Flowers:

Flowers

Sun:

Sun

Fruits:

Fruits Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Oval Sedge (Carex ovalis) should be watered once a week, providing the soil is kept lightly moist. To keep the soil moist, you should water the plant deeply and carefully. When watering Oval Sedge, use a hose or sprinkler that has a very slow and gentle setting- no more than a light drip. Make sure that the water is thoroughly soaking the soil, and not just wetting the surface. Be sure to avoid any waterlogging, as this could cause the plant to die. During particularly hot weather, it may be beneficial to water more often.

sunlight

Oval Sedge plants prefer full sunlight to thrive, receiving up to 6 hours per day. Morning sun is best, providing light for photosynthesis and growth while avoiding the intense afternoon sun. Although Oval Sedge can tolerate a few hours of direct sunlight in the middle of the day, it is important to avoid excessive exposure to the hot afternoon sun. Growing Oval Sedge in dappled light or lightly shaded areas can help reduce stress on the plants. It is best to avoid extreme light exposure and heat for this species.

pruning

Oval Sedge should be pruned twice per year. Pruning in early spring will help ensure that the plant maintains its desirable shape, while removing dead or damaged foliage. After flowering in midsummer, you can trim back any dead or damaged foliage as well as cut back longer stems to promote bushier growth. Be sure not to prune too severely or to leave the dead foliage on the plant as this can encourage disease and pests. When pruning, use sharp, clean shears, and be sure not to leave a stub as this may create an entryway for disease.

Season

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

Oval Sedge typically starts flowering in May.

Harvest Fruit

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