Species Snowbed Sedge
brown-lime cones with brown-green leaves and stems

Snowbed Sedge

Carex rufina

Snowbed Sedge or Carex rufina is a perennial herb that ranges across the Northern Hemisphere. Its stoloniferous, clumped stems grow upright and are covered with thick, yellow-green leaves. The flowering spikes stand up to 15 inches tall and sport short, silvery white spikes during summer time. Its flowers are unisexual and are produced on separate male and female spikes. Snowbed Sedge grows in moist, partially shaded areas. Its evergreen foliage is highly ornamental with its unique, silver-white flowers, making it a popular landscape addition. It serves as a great backdrop to bright colored flowers and grasses and provides year round texture to the garden.

Watering:

Average

Hardiness Zone:

Flowers:

Green/Brown Flowers

Sun:

full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Beaked Sedge should be watered about 1-2 inches per week. Watering frequency will depend on the temperature and soil type; during hot or dry spells, it might be necessary to water more often. Soil should be kept evenly and consistently moist, but not saturated. In general, water in the morning and spread it evenly over the root zone. If applicable, apply a shallow layer of mulch to help conserve soil moisture. Over-watering can lead to problems such as root rot or foliar fungus; avoid wetting the foliage if possible.

sunlight

Beaked Sedge needs full sun for at least 6-8 hours a day to thrive. It prefers moist, shady areas near streams, wetlands, and roadsides, but can also tolerate low- to moderate-level sunlight. In full sun, Beaked Sedge grows quickly and can reach heights of 2 to 3 feet if provided with plenty of water and adequate nutrients.

pruning

Beaked Sedge (Carex rostrata) should be pruned lightly in late winter when the plant is dormant. Pruning Beaked Sedge is not necessary, but it can enhance the overall health and appearance of your plant. You can prune back the tips of the stems by 1/3 to 1/2 of their original length. This will encourage bushy growth, and reduce the amount of flopping over in the stems. It will also encourage new growth and fuller looking plants. It is important to make sure not to overly prune the plants, as too much pruning can reduce flowering and reduce the overall 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.