Species Dunhead Sedge
brown spikelets with lime-green foliage and stems

Dunhead Sedge

Carex phaeocephala

Also Known As - Mountain Hare Sedge
Dunhead Sedge is a perennial herb found in moist woodlands and meadows across North America. It grows in clumps up to 20 inches tall with evergreen foliage and produces inconspicuous brown flowers from June to July. Its leaves are narrow and simple, with multiple sharp points, and its fruit is a green-brown nut-like achene. The common name denotes its thick, rounded heads, which help give it a unique look. Dunhead sedge is a valuable wildlife plant, attracting a variety of species from songbirds to butterflies. It's also great for native pollinators of all shapes and sizes, and is an ideal garden groundcover.

Watering:

Frequent

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

Sun

Soil:

Sand

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Easy

watering

Watering for Rockdwelling Sedge should be done once every other week. On the weeks you water, water generously to ensure the soil and root system get thoroughly dampened and moisture is distributed evenly. Ensure the soil is drained well so it does not become waterlogged and soggy. To gauge the amount of water, check the soil 2-3 inches below the surface. If the soil is dry, then the plant needs more water.

sunlight

Rockdwelling Sedge (Carex petricosa var. petricosa) prefer partial sun in locations where they receive 6 - 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The best times of day for sunlight are from 8 am to 10 am in the morning and 3 pm to 6 pm in the afternoon. They should be sheltered from the intense afternoon heat of the sun which can occur during peak summer months.

pruning

Rockdwelling Sedge should be pruned in mid- to late-spring as new growth begins to emerge. Prune off dead leaves or shoots to keep the plant looking neat and tidy; however, avoid taking off more than a third of the plant. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased stems and leaves. Pruning will help maintain foliage shape and increase plant vigor. Deadhead any flower stalks after flowering to prevent seeds from developing and spreading to other areas. It is best to avoid cutting back older, more established stems unless it is necessary for the health of the plant.

Season

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

⚠️ Perenual and its members cannot be held liable for any health issues that may arise from the information provided on the website or from using any of the plants found on the site. The information provided is intended to be used as general guidelines only.