Carex pendula
hanging sedge
Europe, North Africa, southwest Asia
Overview
Carex pendula is an evergreen to semi-evergreen sedge that forms dense tussocks of arching, three-ranked leaves 60-90 cm (24-35 in) long and 1-2 cm (0.4-0.8 in) wide, glossy dark green above with a bluish cast beneath. Flowering culms reach 0.9-1.8 m (3-6 ft) and bend at the tip, carrying four to six narrow cylindrical spikes 7-16 cm (2.8-6.3 in) long that hang on thread-like stalks. The single terminal spike is male; the lower spikes are female and ripen from green to brown. The plant spreads by short rhizomes and seeds itself readily in damp soil, where seedlings can colonise open ground and crowd lower-growing neighbours. Clumps reach full size in three to four years and persist for a decade or more. The fibrous root system binds soil on moist banks and pond margins. Leaves stay green through mild winters and brown at the edges after sustained frost. In drier positions the foliage scorches and growth weakens, so it persists only in consistently moist ground in shade or partial shade.
Native Range
Carex pendula is native to Europe, from the British Isles and Iberia east to the Caucasus, and extends into North Africa and southwest Asia. It grows wild in damp deciduous woodland, along streamsides, and in clay-rich seepage areas. It is not native to North America, where it is grown as an introduced ornamental.Suggested Uses
Planted in damp woodland gardens, along pond and stream margins, and in rain gardens where the roots stabilise wet soil. Used as a structural specimen in shaded borders with consistent moisture. Suited to naturalistic and wildlife plantings, though vigorous self-seeding makes it hard to contain in small, tidy gardens.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 6'
Width/Spread4' - 5'
Reaches mature size in approximately 4 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Green maturing to brownFoliage Description
Dark green above, grey-green beneathGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Tolerates up to 6 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
Grow Carex pendula in moisture-retentive to wet soil in partial shade or full shade, where it tolerates heavy clay and seasonal waterlogging. It withstands full sun only where the roots stay constantly wet. Water during dry spells, as the foliage scorches in drought. The plant is hardy to about USDA zone 5 and needs no winter protection in temperate gardens. Cut back tired foliage in late winter before new growth begins. Seedlings appear around established clumps and can be lifted while small to limit spread.Pruning
Remove faded flowering culms after seed drop to reduce self-sowing, or leave them standing for winter structure and bird forage. Comb out or cut back dead leaves in late winter to make room for fresh growth. Lift and divide congested clumps in spring every four to five years.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winterearly spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons