Species Tahoe Sedge
brown spikelets with yellow-green foliage and stems

Tahoe Sedge

Carex tahoensis

Also Known As - Lake Tahoe Sedge
Tahoe Sedge is a native California marsh plant species found in moist, grassy meadows and lightly forested wetlands. It is a perennial species with flower heads held up to one foot high on slender, erect stems. Its greenish-brown and yellow-brown flower spikelets have an egg-shaped bract, which hides the additional flower clusters. The leaves are narrow, sharp, and typically grow 1-2 feet in length. During the summer, its mat-forming habit provides excellent food sources, including nectar, for pollinators. The Tahoe Sedge plays a critical role in preventing soil erosion, making it an important part of any wetland restoration.

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Division,Seed Propagation,Cutting,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Tahoe Sedge (Carex tahoensis) should be watered regularly and evenly. It prefers moist soil that is not too wet or too dry, so it is important to adjust the watering in order to achieve this. In general, the plant should be watered twice a week, with about 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) of water applied each time. During particularly dry or hot periods additional watering may be necessary to ensure that the soil remains moist.

sunlight

Tahoe Sedge does best in partial to full sun, meaning it should receive at least 4 hours of direct sunlight daily. However, it can handle several hours of full sun without issue. Adding a layer of mulch around the base of the plant can also help it retain moisture and protect the roots from the heat of the sun.

pruning

Tahoe Sedge should be lightly pruned each year in early spring when new growth begins. Pruning should focus on removing dead, damaged or diseased stems and seed heads, and should include thinning of overly dense or tall stands. If this grass is used as a barrier planting or for erosion control, regularly pruning will help to keep the plants in control. Pruning should be done to the height desired for the individual application. Pruning can also be done in late winter or early spring to tidy up the plants.