What hardiness zones is Carex bicknellii suitable for?

Carex bicknellii is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.

What are the sun requirements for Carex bicknellii?

Carex bicknellii requires Full Sun.

How much water does Carex bicknellii need?

Carex bicknellii has Low water needs.

1 / 2

Grasses & Sedges

Carex bicknellii

Bicknell's Sedge

Cyperaceae

Central and eastern North America, from Maine south to Virginia and west to Montana, in dry prairies and open woodlands

At a Glance

TypeSedge

HabitClumping

FoliageSemi-evergreen

Height18-30 inches (45-75 cm)

Width12-18 inches (30-45 cm)

Maturity2 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3 - 8

Zone 3 Zone 4 Zone 5 Zone 6 Zone 7 Zone 8

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

What's my zone? →

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

Native to North America

Maintenancevery low

Overview

Carex bicknellii is a dry-prairie native sedge growing 18-30 inches (45-75 cm) tall and 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) wide. Named after Eugene Bicknell, the American botanist and ornithologist. Blue-green narrow arching leaves. The species carries large winged perigynia (seed casings) that are ornamental: broader and more papery than most sedge seeds, catching light and adding visual interest. A full-sun, dry-soil sedge, uncommon among sedges since most prefer shade and moisture. The dry-prairie origin gives this species drought tolerance and sun tolerance that most sedges lack. Clumping habit. Golden-yellow fall color. Hardy to zone 3. The combination of blue-green foliage, sun tolerance, and drought tolerance makes the species a versatile native sedge for open garden situations.

Native Range

Carex bicknellii is native to central and eastern North America, from Maine south to Virginia and west to Montana, in dry prairies and open woodlands.

Suggested Uses

Used in prairie gardens, dry-soil borders, and as a full-sun native sedge. The drought-tolerant, sun-loving sedge for open situations. Ornamental winged seeds. Containers (5 gallons / 19 liters).

How to Identify

Identified by blue-green arching foliage with large ornamental winged perigynia in a full-sun, dry-soil setting. The full-sun and dry-soil preference (uncommon for sedges) and the large winged seed casings are the species traits.