Species Woolly Sedge
lime-brown spikelets, with green foliage and stems

Woolly Sedge

Carex pellita

Also Known As - Broadleaved Woolly Sedge
Woolly Sedge ( Carex pellita ) is a low-lying perennial plant with dense tufts of slender stems, reaching 25 cm in height. Its leaves are greyish-green and bladelike, and its flowers are small and inconspicuous. This sedge is native to North America, but can also be found in Europe and areas of Asia. It prefers wet, sandy soils and is generally found in swamps, vernal pools, and marshes. Its lush foliage creates dense patches of ground cover and provides food for grazing animals. Its long-lasting foliage also provides great habitat for birds, amphibians, and other wildlife native to these wetland areas.

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Rhizome Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

Sun, Partial Shade

Soil:

Sand, Loam

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Woolly Sedge should be watered regularly and deeply. It prefers moist soil, but be careful not to overwater and create standing water. Water deeply, but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out a bit between waterings. During the hotter months of the year Woolly Sedge should be watered once or twice a week, providing a deep, long drink of water. During the cold months, reduce the watering to once every 2 weeks. In really hot climates, you may want to water even more, as the soil can dry out quickly.

sunlight

Woolly Sedge grows best in full sun to partial shade. A minimum of 8 hours of direct sunlight is ideal; however, in areas with very hot summers, it may do better with partial shade during the hottest parts of the day. During the spring and fall, aim for at least 6 hours of direct sun per day. As the temperature rises in the summer, shade or dappled sun may be beneficial. Avoid planting in deep shade, as this will reduce flowering and overall growth.

pruning

Woolly Sedge should be pruned at the end of the summer to allow time for new growth to come in. Prune approximately 1-third of the foliage at a time, taking care to keep the shape of the plant intact by pruning evenly around the perimeter. Discard the sheared foliage, as the cut leaves are not beneficial to the soil. Woolly Sedge should not be watered or fertilized immediately after pruning.