Pretty Sedge (Carex woodii)

A.k.a. Wood’s sedge. A shorter, spreading sedge whose recommendation from the Mt. Cuba Center as a shade groundcover is its claim to fame. Similar to the better known oak sedges in stature and adaptability, it reportedly forms a denser mat and even tolerates light foot traffic and occasional mowing. Prefers part sun, but tolerates shade and the lower end of full sun (~6-8 hours) in moist conditions. Adaptable to soil type, but prefers some amount of loam. May retain foliage through mild winters.

Light: Part Sun/Shade, Shade

Soil Moisture: Wet Mesic, Mesic, Dry Mesic

Soil Type: Part Loam

Height: 12”-14”

Bloom Color: -

Bloom Time: Apr-May

Root Type: Fibrous 

Notable Wildlife Interactions: Little data available. Likely similar to other Carex in providing cover for small wildlife and hosting a variety of insects such as skippers, moths, grasshoppers, katydids, and some smaller insects