Carex (Sedge)
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Carex are low-growing plants that look like grasses.
"Sedges have edges" is a saying to help remember some differences between the two.
Flowers are generally insignificant, unlike grasses that usually have flowering stalks.
Soil moisture is key in success; see each variety description.
​Extremely useful as ground cover or lawn alternatives.
Deer resistant.

elata 'Bowles Golden' (aka 'Aurea')
  • Best color in full sun with adequate moisture (yellow)
  • Tolerates drier conditions in shade (lime green)
  • Tolerates shallow water - good along water's edge
  • Plant with contrasting blue or deep green foliage like hostas
  • 16" H x 18" W
Substitution Suggestions​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

​flacca 'Blue Zinger' (blue sedge)
  • Slow spreader
  • Shade tolerant
  • Drought tolerant once established
  • Attractive contrast with smooth stones and pebbles
  • Edging plant for paths or walkways
  • 12" H x 18" W
Substitution Suggestions​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

​morrowii 'Ice Dance'
  • Low, slow spreading habit
  • May bleach in full sun
  • Mix with deep greens, cool violets, blues and pinks
  • Good container plant - pictured (paired with 'Raspberry Splash' Pulmonaria and 'Georgia Peach' Heuchera
  • 12" H x 18" W
Substitution Suggestions​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

muskingumensis (palm sedge)
  • Native!
  • Can tolerate some drought
  • Can tolerate full sun with adequate moisture
  • ​Palm-like foliage
  • Good plant for water gardens
  • Pairs well with Japanese Sweet Flag (Acorus)
  • 2' H x 2' W

pensylvanica (Pennsylvania sedge)
  • ​Montale favorite!
  • Native!
  • Semi-evergreen and drought tolerant 
  • Most effective in masses
  • Excellent lawn alternative but will not tolerate foot traffic
  • Larval food plant for several species of butterfly  
  • Underplanting for shade perennials
  • 8" H x 12" W
Substitution Suggestions​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

rosea
  • New to Montale - Coming this June!
  • Foliage similar to C. pensylvanica
  • Native!
  • Leaves grow in thick clumps
  • Adapts to wet and ​dry
  • Rosy seed-heads
  • Star-shaped flower spikes in Spring
  • Use as specimen for textural contrast
  • 2' H x 1' W
Substitution Suggestions