Species Shaved Sedge
brown flowers with green-white foliage and stems

Shaved Sedge

Carex tonsa

Shaved Sedge (Carex tonsa) is a short, perennial plant species native to parts of North America. It has long, narrow leaves and thin stems that have a distinct greyish-green color. Its flowers are small and its fruit is an inconspicuous seed capsule. In the garden, it works well as an ornamental grass for lining pathways and as an edging plant for flower beds. It is drought tolerant and will do well in sunny, dry locations as well as in somewhat shady locations. It reseeds easily, so it can quickly spread throughout terrains and can be used to control erosion.

Watering:

Minimal

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,tan

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Rigid Sedge should be watered about once a week during the growing season. The best time to water is in the morning, allowing the sun to dry the plant and keep its foliage from getting too wet. During dry weather, Rigid Sedge may require extra water, and during cold winter months, it should be watered only when the soil is completely dry. It's also recommended to avoid overhead watering and to apply water at the plant’s base to keep foliage dry. When watering, use a slow and steady stream of lukewarm water to ensure its roots are hydrated evenly.

sunlight

Rigid Sedge (Carex tetanica) is an ornamental grass that prefers full sun exposure. Though it can tolerate some shade, it grows best in an area where it receives at least 4 hours of direct sunlight per day. During the height of summer, the ideal amount of sun for Rigid Sedge is around 6 to 8 hours of bright light per day. In the winter, the plant should receive 3 to 4 hours of sunlight per day. Prolonged exposure to scorching sun can cause the plant to be stressed, resulting in burned or browning leaves. For this reason, it is best to position the plant in part shade with some protection from strong, mid-day sun.

pruning

Rigid Sedge (Carex tetanica) should be pruned in late spring when the new growth has developed. Prune the old foliage back to the ground and remove any dead or damaged tips. This species should also be pruned back during the summer to encourage bushier growth. When doing pruning at this time, it is important to remove the top growth only, not the flowering stems. This species should not receive heavy pruning as it forms a very dense habit. Pruning should be minimal to encourage the natural openness of the foliage.

⚠️ 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.