Species European Woodland Sedge
lime-green spikelets with green foliage

European Woodland Sedge

Carex sylvatica

European Woodland Sedge (Carex sylvatica) is a hardy, monocotyledonous perennial plant with soft, blade-like foliage. It is found in moist woodlands throughout Europe and western Asia. The plant grows in dense clumps with strong roots that can reach up to 90cm in height. The leaves are bright green in color, with long and narrow blades that rise vertically from the ground. The flowers are small, star-shaped and appear in late summer. They are purplish to yellow, and help to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The foliage will turn yellow and die back in winter, but new shoots will appear soon after. It is a great plant for providing year-round ground cover and shelter for wildlife.

Watering:

Minimal

Hardiness Zone:

Flowers:

Flowers

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Fruits:

brown Fruits Ready In

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Weak Arctic Sedge plants should be watered regularly, about once every 1-2 weeks, depending on your local climate. The soil should be kept moist, but not soggy. Water in the morning hours so the soil has time to dry in the sun before nightfall. If the plants are in a container, check the soil before watering to make sure the soil is not bone dry. Avoid over-watering as this can cause root rot. In the spring and summer, water more often because the plants are actively growing. In the fall and winter, water less often as the plants will enter a period of dormancy.

sunlight

Weak Arctic Sedge prefers full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade. It should receive at least 5 hours of direct sunlight each day in order to thrive. The best time for sunlight is in the morning and late afternoon; hours away from the peak of the day heat. A light midday shade can benefit the species. When planted in areas with less sunlight, Weak Arctic Sedge still has a chance to grow, but its development will be stunted and its size will be much smaller than expected.

pruning

Weak Arctic Sedge should be pruned back yearly to help encourage healthy growth. Pruning should start in early spring and should be done before new growth starts. Pruning should remove any dead or diseased branches and any shoots that are too close together. The plant should be cut approximately 2-thirds of the way back to help encourage fuller growth the following year. If necessary, the entire plant can be cut back to the ground after it has gone dormant for the winter.

⚠️ 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.