Blue wood sedge (Carex flaccosperma)

Blue wood sedge

Features and Characteristics

Carex flaccosperma, sometimes commonly called blue wood sedge, is native to eastern North America. In Missouri, Carex flaccosperma var. flaccosperma is typically found in wet woodland or swampy ground in the lowland section of southeastern Missouri, and Carex flaccosperma var. glaucodea is more typically found in drier acidic soils of wooded slopes, upland ridges, ravines or wooded valleys along streams (Steyermark). This is an evergreen sedge that forms attractive clumps (6-10” tall) of fine-textured, narrow, grass-like, glaucous, blue-green leaves (to 3/8” wide). It is grown in the landscape for its foliage effect. Greenish-white flowers in spring are insignificant.

Genus name from Latin means cutter in reference to the sharp leaves and stem edges (rushes are round but sedges have edges) found on most species’ plants.

Care and Maintenance

Easily grown in medium to wet soils in part shade to full shade. Thrives in moist soils, but also does well in average garden soils and will tolerate some drought. Cut foliage to the ground and remove in late winter.

Blue wood sedge (Carex flaccosperma) Requirements

Hardiness zone	5 - 8
Sun light	Part shade to full shade
Water	Medium to wet
Maintenance	Low

Common Problems

No serious insect or disease problems.

Uses

Mass or group in woodland gardens, shade gardens, borders or rock gardens. Effective accent for smaller gardens. Ground cover for shade gardens. Edging plant for paths or walkways. Also appropriate for areas with moist soils such as low spots and stream/pond margins.

Blue wood sedge (Carex flaccosperma) Details

Common name	Blue wood sedge
Botanical name	Carex flaccosperma
Plant type	Rush or Sedge
Family	Cyperaceae
Hardiness zone	5 - 8
Water	Medium to wet
Maintenance	Low
Flower color	Greenish-white
Flowering period	May - June
Height	0.50 to 1 ft.
Width	0.50 to 1 ft.