What hardiness zones is Carex radiata suitable for?

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

What are the sun requirements for Carex radiata?

Carex radiata requires Part Shade.

How much water does Carex radiata need?

Carex radiata has Medium water needs.

1 / 4

Grasses

Carex radiata

Eastern Star Sedge

Cyperaceae

Eastern North America — from Quebec south to Georgia and west to Minnesota, in moist woodlands and meadow edges

At a Glance

TypeSedge

HabitClumping

FoliageSemi-evergreen

Height10-18 inches (25-45 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 radiata is eastern star sedge in the Cyperaceae family — a versatile and adaptable native sedge growing 10-18 inches (25-45 cm) tall and 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) wide. The species name 'radiata' means 'radiating', describing the star-like spreading pattern of the spikelets. Medium green narrow arching narrow-textured leaves form a graceful clump. The star-like radiating spikelets in late spring add a delicate detail. Extremely adaptable: sun to full shade, moist to average soil, clay-tolerant, drought-tolerant once established. Clumping (not spreading). Hardy to zone 3. The versatility and reliability make this a strong all-purpose native sedge — it performs reliably in conditions that stress more specialized species. Semi-evergreen. Golden-yellow fall color. Deer avoid sedge foliage.

Native Range

Carex radiata is native to eastern North America — from Quebec south to Georgia and west to Minnesota.

Suggested Uses

Used in woodland gardens, shade borders, native lawn mixes, and general landscaping. A versatile all-purpose native sedge. Reliable in difficult conditions. Mass planting for a narrow-textured native ground cover.

How to Identify

Identified by a medium-sized clump of medium green narrow-textured arching foliage with star-like radiating spikelets. The radiating spikelet pattern gives the species name. An all-purpose native sedge without showy features — the value is reliable adaptability.