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The Sedge of Glory: Why You Should Carex for Native Sedge

Writer's picture: Reba WilesReba Wiles

Updated: Jun 24, 2024

sedge closeup

If nobody has told you yet, let me be the first: your garden needs graminoids. Grama whats? Graminoid is a group of grass-like plants that includes grasses, sedges, and rushes. All other herbaceous flowering plants that don’t have grass-like features are called forbs. In order to attract the most wildlife, your garden needs both grasses and forbs in abundance. 


Many homeowners try to make their garden more attractive by filling each nook and cranny with showy blooms, but the truth is you will need a variety of textures to add dimension to the design of your garden. Grass-like plants will help make your colorful forbs pop even more. Your graminoid game can make or break your garden impact.


 One of the most dependable types of graminoids you can add to your garden is Carex, the genus of true sedges. I say dependable, because they are for the most part green, fluffy, and hardy. Whether you are experienced or unfamiliar with Carex, please continue reading for suggested species and applications of sedges in the naturalistic landscape.


Sedge Edges

sedge edge at the Houston Museum of Natural Science
Cherokee Sedge Edge at the Houston Museum of Natural Science

We will not say another word until we highlight the sedge edge and why you need one. The reason an evergreen sedge makes such a great border is because it’s hardy, consistent, and unobtrusive. If you are on the #nolawn wave, maybe you have noticed how chaotic a garden can become without clear edges. Stone edging is expensive and does not fully block underground roots. A sedge edge will softly define your border while providing a hard line of defense against the encroaching weeds and the well-meaning weedeater.

weed trimmer cutting the horseherb between the sedge edge and the sidewalk

Above, you can see one example of the many ways you can employ a sedge edge in your garden. Plugs of Ravenfoot sedge (Carex crus-corvi) were planted every foot, about 14 inches from the edge and horseherb allowed to do its thing. Now there is a soft, easily-managed edge for the wildscape to have a manicured element to it. These small details will help your neighbors understand that your garden is intentional, so they will interpret your yard as a safe and welcoming space. Head over to Next Door Nursery to buy some sedge plugs!


Splurge-Worthy Species


You may be wondering which sedges to use and where to find them. Sedges that are evergreen make great edges and groundcover. Alternatively, deciduous sedges are also great additions to your landscape, but better suited as fillers and nonessentials, as they will go dormant over winter. Bellow I suggest a few sedge species and appropriate uses for them.


Cherokee Sedge Carex cherokeensis

Cherokee Sedge
©Joseph A. Marcus via wildflower.org

The reigning Queen of adored sedges - evergreen, fluffy, unfussy, what’s not to love? Plant anywhere and everywhere.


Texas Sedge Carex texensis 

Texas Sedge
©Joseph A. Marcus via wildflower.org

Although less hardy than Cherokee sedge here in Houston, this species is more readily available in nurseries.


Eastern Woodland Sedge Carex blanda 

Eastern Woodland Sedge
©Joseph A. Marcus via wildflower.org

More of a central Texas native, this evergreen sedge will love moist sun or shade and good drainage.


Oval Leaf Sedge Carex cephalophora

oval leaf sedge

You will probably not find this species in a nursery, but you should be able to find it growing somewhere in your neighborhood! We are obsessed with its stout yet unobtrusive shape and hardiness against animal urine.


Did I miss your favorite Carex species? Drop a comment below and introduce us!


Spotlight Specimen

Cherokee Sedge striking a pose on the corner

Another excellent use of sedges in your garden is as a specimen to liven up a corner or to fill in a blank area. Many sedges are shade tolerant, so they would be ideal additions under trees or buildings. A spotlight sedge will add style to your garden, inviting both compliments and pollinators. A taller species will work best for this, and it can be deciduous or evergreen, as its role is purely decorative and thus nonessential. 


Troll Doll Turf


Minimalist/modern sedge lawn

Finally, I suggest using sedges in a mass planting for a native lawn alternative. Turn your green space into a silky paradise reminiscent of troll doll hair. You will adore the way this invites bees and butterflies to your lawn and the lower maintenance required for this type of lawn. Your drought-tolerant sedge lawn will be the subject of admiration by all the neighbors.

sedge lawn thriving in the shade
fluffy sedge lawn














I hope you have enjoyed the different suggestions for using sedges in your garden. I love introducing gardeners to the joy of sedges. They make perfect companions to showy forbs, filling in with greenery and protecting against unwanted weeds. They are so dependable and predictable while being low maintenance and rewarding. If you decide to try any of these uses, please let us know in the comments!




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