Species Copycat Sedge
brown spikelets, yellow-green leaves and stems

Copycat Sedge

Carex simulata

Also Known As - Analogue Sedge,Short Beaked Fen Sedge
Copycat Sedge (Carex simulata) is a perennial grass-like plant found in North America. It is part of the Carex family and its leaves are finely divided, growing in clumps and averaging 4-8 inches in height. It has a distinctive appearance, with an upright, tufted appearance and foliage that resembles a larger grass. While the color of the foliage can vary, it usually has a yellowish tinge close to the mid rib of the leaf blade. Its flowers are small, greenish and terminal, appearing in a cluster at the end of the plant in the spring. It grows in wet, sunny habitats including swamps, meadows, and pond margins. Copycat Sedge is easy to grow in a variety of soil types and in full sun to light shade.

Watering:

Minimal

Propagation:

Division,Seed Propagation,Cutting

Hardiness Zone:

Flowers:

Green/Brown Flowers

Sun:

Sun

Soil:

Sand

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,yellow

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Copycat Sedge is a slow-growing perennial that needs to be watered only when the soil is completely dry. It prefers to have moist soil but not soggy. During the summer months, water this plant weekly to ensure the soil is moist but not soggy. During the cooler months of the year, it is important to water this plant less frequently. Water only once every 2 to 3 weeks during times of cold weather, making sure to refrain from over-watering.

sunlight

Copycat Sedge thrives in full to partial sunlight. It should have full sun in the spring and fall, and partial sun in the summer so that it does not dry out too much. This species prefers direct sun for at least half of the day in the spring and fall, and indirect sun for no more than 3 hours in the summer. It should not be shaded for any time during the day. Too much shade will inhibit its growth, cause it to become spindly, and reduce its flowering potential.

pruning

Copycat Sedge should be pruned as needed to keep the area around it looking neat and tidy. This type of sedge does not need pruning to promote health or encourage new growth, and can be left unchecked. However, if the plant becomes oversized or begins to look overgrown, it should be pruned back in the early spring before new growth appears. Trim the foliage back until it is a manageable size and remove any dead, damaged, or diseased stems. If the plant is being pruned for aesthetic reasons, it can be cut back to the desired height. It is also helpful to prune off flower stems as they appear to help promote air circulation and reduce the risk of disease in the foliage.

Season

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

Copycat Sedge typically starts flowering in May.