Carex pensylvanica (Pennsylvania Sedge)

Carex pensylvanica, commonly called Pennsylvania sedge, is a shade-loving perennial sedge that is native to thickets and dry woodland areas in Eastern and Central North America from Quebec to Manitoba south to Mississippi and Georgia. In Missouri, it is found mostly north of the Missouri River in dry to mesic upland forests and shaded bluff ledges (Steyermark). It typically grows in loose colonies with a creeping habit. The roots are reddish brown. It is often found in areas with oak trees, hence the additional common name of oak sedge. This is a low sedge with soft, delicate, arching, semi-evergreen leaves (each to 1/8" wide). It typically grows in a clump to 8" tall. It is semi-evergreen in moderately cold winter climates. Narrow, grass-like, medium green leaves (to 8-12" long) are typically shorter than the flowering stems. Plants are monoecious (spikelets of male flowers above female flowers). Flowers bloom in late spring (May) in inflorescences atop rough, sharply triangular culms (stems) which rise singly from the rhizomes. Staminate scales are green often tinged with reddish-purple with white margins. Pistillate scales are dark brown to purplish black with green midribs and white margins. Female flowers are followed by tiny fruits (achenes) enclosed in sac-like bracts (perigynia).

• Performs best in partial shade in loamy or sandy, dry to moist, well-drained soils. Tolerates full shade and occasionally wet soils. Some drought tolerance once established.
• This graceful sedge is perfect as a lawn substitute, groundcover and for edging. Excellent for naturalized areas, woodlands, native gardens, rain gardens and shade gardens. 
• This sedge attracts birds, butterflies and other pollinators, but is deer resistant.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for smut, rust, leaf spot, aphids, Anthracnose, and Fungus gnat larvae. 

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Requirement
Hardiness	3,4,5,6,7,8
Heat Zones	3,4,5,6
Climate Zones	3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Plant Type	Ornamental Grasses
Plant Family	Cyperaceae
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest	Spring, Summer, Fall, Mid Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer, Mid Summer, Late Summer
Height	1' - 2'
Spread	< 1'
Water Needs	Low, Average
Maintenance	Low
Soil Type	Loam, Sand
Characteristics	Showy, Semi-Evergreen, Attracts Butterflies, Deer Tolerant, Drought Tolerant
Garden Styles	Coastal Garden
Planting Place	Edging, Ground Covers, Rain Gardens, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs