Carex caryophyllea
spring sedge
Europe, North Africa, and temperate Asia
Overview
Carex caryophyllea is a low, tufted, rhizomatous sedge in the Cyperaceae, forming dense clumps 4–12 inches (10–30 cm) tall and spreading slowly by short rhizomes to 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) wide. The narrow, channelled leaves measure 0.04–0.12 inch (1–3 mm) wide and 2–6 inches (5–15 cm) long, mid-green and rough along the margins. Flowering stems are triangular in cross-section, a defining trait of Carex spp., and carry a single terminal male spike above 2–3 shorter, stalkless female spikes. The female spikes are 0.2–0.6 inch (5–15 mm) long, with greenish to brown scales and small, hairy, ovoid utricles about 0.08–0.12 inch (2–3 mm) long. It grows on dry to moist calcareous grassland, heaths, and open woodland across much of Europe and temperate Asia. As a turf-forming species it tolerates grazing and mowing, but it is slow to establish from seed and is outcompeted on fertile, disturbed soils where coarser grasses dominate. Foliage is semi-evergreen, persisting through mild winters and browning in prolonged frost.
Native Range
Native to much of Europe, North Africa, and temperate Asia, from the British Isles east to Siberia. It is most frequent on calcareous grassland and open, grazed habitats.Suggested Uses
Used in calcareous grassland restoration, wildflower meadows, and naturalistic plantings on dry, alkaline soils. It also functions as a low groundcover in rock gardens and green-roof systems.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 1'
Width/Spread8" - 1'
Bloom Information
Flowers from April to May. Pollination is by wind, and the brown utricles ripen from May into June before being shed.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
green to brownFoliage Description
mid-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 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
Grows in full sun to partial shade on free-draining, neutral to alkaline soils, and tolerates dry conditions once established. It persists on low-fertility calcareous substrates and declines where nitrogen-rich soils favour vigorous grasses. Water needs are low, and established clumps withstand seasonal drought. Propagation is by seed sown in autumn or by division of clumps in spring. Added fertility reduces its persistence in mixed swards, so no routine feeding is used. It is hardy to roughly USDA zone 4.Pruning
Old foliage can be cut to ground level in late winter before new growth begins. Clumps may be lifted and divided every few years to renew vigour. No other cutting is needed.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winter
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons