Creeping Sedge (Carex laxiculmis)

Carex laxiculmis is a petite perennial sedge that forms mounds of foot tall lush shaggy foliage. The leaves are semi-evergreen with a striking blue-green color. In late spring greenish scaly flower spikes are displayed above the foliage. This sedge occurs in moist woods or can be used as an accent or groundcover in a shade garden.

Carex laxiculmis prospers in moist woodlands especially those with rich calcareous soil. The preferred exposure is bright shade but plants will tolerate part sun if the soil is kept consistently moist. Despite its common name, creeping sedge is slow to colonize. Plants slowly naturalize by producing occasional seedlings. Established plants are pest resistant and unpalatable to deer and other herbivores.

Carex laxiculmis is a valuable ground cover or edging plant for a shade garden. This sedge is lovely when grouped or massed in moist areas beside a stream or pond. The unique leaf color allows this sedge to serve as an eye catching accent. Plants provide erosion control and winter interest. This sedge is an excellent native substitute for the popular Asian groundcovers Liriope muscari and Ophiopogon japonicus.

Light: part to full shade
Soil: wet, well-drained