Bristle-Leaved Sedge (Carex Eburnea)

Bristle-Leaved Sedge

Features and Characteristics

Carex eburnea, sometimes commonly called bristle-leaf sedge, is native from Newfoundland to Alaska south to Virginia, Alabama, Arkansas and Texas. In Missouri, it most commonly occurs in crevices of limestone bluffs in the Ozark areas of the state (Steyermark). It is also known to grow in drier sandy soils, particularly on limestone outcroppings and glades. This sedge is grown in the landscape for its foliage effect. Soft, thread-like, green leaves form a spherical, porcupine-like clump to 6-10” tall and as wide. Whitish-green flowers on spikes in spring are insignificant. Other common names for this sedge include ivory sedge and ebony sedge.

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.

Specific epithet means ivory-white.

Care and Maintenance

Grow in medium moisture soils in part shade to full shade. Thrives in soils that receive consistent moisture, but also will grow in drier sandy or rocky soils. Cut foliage to the ground and remove in late winter. Plants spread slowly by rhizomes over time, sometimes forming large colonies in optimum conditions in the wild.

Bristle-Leaved Sedge (Carex Eburnea) Requirements

Hardiness zone	2 - 8
Sun light	Part Shade To Full Shade
Water	Medium
Maintenance	Low

Common Problems

No serious insect or disease problems.

Uses

Rock gardens. Effective accent for smaller gardens.

Bristle-Leaved Sedge (Carex Eburnea) Details

Common name	Bristle-Leaved Sedge
Botanical name	Carex Eburnea
Plant type	Rush Or Sedge
Family	Cyperaceae
Hardiness zone	2 - 8
Water	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Flower color	Green
Flowering period	April
Height	0.50 To 1 Ft.
Width	0.50 To 1 Ft.