What hardiness zones is Carex flaccosperma suitable for?

Carex flaccosperma is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.

What are the sun requirements for Carex flaccosperma?

Carex flaccosperma requires Part Shade.

How much water does Carex flaccosperma need?

Carex flaccosperma has Medium water needs.

1 / 4

Grasses

Carex flaccosperma

Blue Wood Sedge

Cyperaceae

Southeastern United States — from Virginia south to Florida and west to Texas, in moist woodlands

At a Glance

TypeSedge

HabitClumping

FoliageEvergreen

Height8-14 inches (20-35 cm)

Width12-18 inches (30-45 cm)

Maturity2 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

5 - 9

Zone 5 Zone 6 Zone 7 Zone 8 Zone 9

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 flaccosperma is blue wood sedge in the Cyperaceae family — a leading blue-foliaged native sedge for shade gardens, growing 8-14 inches (20-35 cm) tall and 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) wide. The species name 'flaccosperma' means 'soft-fruited'. Blue-green leaves that are wider than most sedges create a bolder, more visible texture — where many sedges have hair-thin leaves that disappear visually, C. flaccosperma has substantial leaves that register as a presence. The blue-green color adds a cool tone to shade plantings. Arching evergreen habit — retains foliage year-round in mild winters. Clumping (not spreading), well-behaved. Moist shade is the natural habitat, but established plants tolerate drought. The combination of blue color, wider texture, evergreen habit, and clumping behavior makes this among the more ornamental native shade sedges. Hardy to zone 5. Deer avoid sedge foliage.

Native Range

Carex flaccosperma is native to the southeastern United States — from Virginia south to Florida and west to Texas.

Suggested Uses

Used in shade borders, woodland gardens, and containers of 3 gallons (11 liters). A leading blue native shade sedge. The wider leaves give bolder texture than narrow-leaved sedges. Evergreen year-round interest.

How to Identify

Identified by blue-green wide (for a sedge) arching evergreen foliage in shade. The wider leaves and blue-green color separate this from narrow-leaved green sedges. Clumping habit. A leading blue-foliaged native shade sedge.