Carex bromoides
brome-like sedge
Eastern North America, from Nova Scotia south to Georgia and west to Minnesota, in wet woodlands and swamp edges
Overview
Carex bromoides is a native wet-shade sedge growing 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) tall and 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) wide. The species name 'bromoides' means 'resembling Bromus spp.' (brome grass), describing the slender spikelets. Bright green narrow arching leaves create a graceful fountain in wet shade, with delicate texture from the narrow blade width. The key niche: this sedge thrives in wet to waterlogged shade (swamp edges, streambanks, and low-lying wet woodland floors where standing water is seasonal). The wet-shade tolerance is the primary cultivation value; few ornamental plants thrive in both deep shade and saturated soil simultaneously. Clumping (not spreading), semi-evergreen. Golden-yellow fall color. Hardy to zone 3. Deer avoid sedge foliage.
Native Range
Carex bromoides is native to eastern North America, from Nova Scotia south to Georgia and west to Minnesota, in wet woodlands and swamp edges.Suggested Uses
Used in rain gardens, wet woodland gardens, swamp edges, and along shaded streams. A wet-shade sedge for the difficult niche (simultaneously wet and shaded). Bioswales and stormwater management.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 2'
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Spikelets in May and June. The bright green arching foliage is the primary display.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Green to tan; in slender spikeletsFoliage Description
Bright green; narrow archingGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-5 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Sited in partial to full shade. Wet to waterlogged soil; tolerates standing water. Hardy to zone 3.Pruning
Dead leaves are combed out in early spring.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons