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:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Stolon

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

Shaved Sedge should be watered on a weekly basis, up to 1-2 inches per week. It should be watered deeply, allowing the water to penetrate the soil until it is damp throughout; however, care should be taken to not overwater the plant. Shaved Sedge should not be left in standing water, as it may become prone to fungal issues.

sunlight

Shaved Sedge grows best in full sun, with no more than 6 hours of shade per day. This plant should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day during peak growing season, and prefers to be in the sun early in the morning. Morning dew can provide additional water and benefits to the plant if it is exposed to the morning sunlight. Temperate climates with cooler nights would benefit this species, as it may need additional protection from prolonged periods of excessive heat and sunlight, especially during summer months.

pruning

Pruning of Shaved Sedge (Carex tonsa) should be done annually. Trim the plants back in early spring or late fall, before new growth starts. Cut the plants back to about 2-3 inches tall. Make sure to remove any dead or damaged leaves to improve the health of the plant. This will also help improve air circulation and reduce insect or disease issues. Pruning should be done every year as it will help the plant maintain its size and shape.