Species Cayouette's Sedge

Cayouette's Sedge

Carex x cayouettei

Cayouette’s Sedge (Carex x cayouettei), is a freshwater, marsh loving perennial grass that forms lush tufts of medium green foliage. Growing up to 12-24 inches in clumps, this species produces a light and airy fountain of dense foliage in an array of tones ranging from cream and whitish green to blue-green. It forms large colonies along shorelines, providing shelter and food for a variety of wildlife. This species is slow to spread, but can provide ample ground cover in moist environments. When the summer sun is at its highest, these sedges produce panicles of small, tightly clustered seeds that serve as an important source of food for birds.

Watering:

Minimal

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Rhizome 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

Cayouette's Sedge is a drought-tolerant plant species that will thrive in well-drained soil with regular watering. To ensure optimal growth, the plant should be provided with 1.5-2 inches of water per week during its active growing season, which is typically from April to September. Water should be applied slowly and deeply so that it reaches roots of the plant. During dry and hot periods, it may be beneficial to increase the frequency of watering. During the winter season, watering should be reduced, allowing the soil to dry out completely in between waterings.

sunlight

Cayouette's Sedge prefers full sun to partial shade. It does best when exposed to an average of 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. The amount of sunlight may vary based on the season. In the summer, 6 hours of direct sunlight is ideal, while during the spring and fall, 3-4 hours is sufficient. In winter, 2 hours of direct sunlight would be more than enough to keep the plant healthy.

pruning

Cayouette's Sedge (Carex x cayouettei) should be lightly pruned in early spring, just before the new growth emerges. This will help promote dense, bushy new growth which will provide protection from weeds and help keep the soil moist. To prune, remove any dead, brown or damaged foliage with a pair of gardening shears. If necessary, thin out some of the foliage to allow for more air circulation within the plant. Trim the foliage down to about 6 inches in height. If the plant is crowding out other species or has outgrown its space, thinning it can help to keep things looking neat and tidy.