Carex testacea

orange New Zealand sedge

Cyperaceae

Overview

Carex testacea is a remarkably versatile evergreen sedge that brings exceptional year-round color and textural interest to Pacific Northwest gardens with its distinctive olive-green foliage that transforms to glowing copper-orange tones in cooler weather and bright light conditions. This architectural grass-like perennial offers a perfect blend of refined texture and dynamic coloration that responds dramatically to the region's seasonal light and temperature variations, creating an ever-changing display throughout the year. Unlike many ornamental grasses that disappear in winter, this sedge maintains consistent presence while shifting its color palette to complement the Pacific Northwest's seasonal garden rhythms. Particularly valuable in contemporary designs and mixed borders throughout western Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia, this adaptable sedge combines well with both native and ornamental plantings while offering exceptional drought tolerance once established, making it an environmentally responsible choice for water-conscious gardens across the region.

How to Identify

Carex testacea can be identified by its narrow, thread-like leaf blades that emerge olive-green at the base and transform to distinctive copper-orange tones toward the tips, creating a multi-colored effect especially pronounced in cool weather and bright light. The foliage arches gracefully from a central crown, forming a symmetrical mound with a slightly weeping habit at the leaf tips. Each leaf is approximately 12-18 inches long but only about 1/8 inch wide, creating an exceptionally fine texture. Unlike the rigidly upright habit of some sedges, C. testacea has a more relaxed, arching form that catches light and movement. The plant produces insignificant brown flower spikes in spring, though these are not particularly ornamental compared to the dramatic foliage effect.