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.
  • Deer resistant.

-eburnea - ​Bristle-leaf sedge
  • Tough, adaptable sedge
  • Fine-leaved, clumpy habit
  • Use as groundcover, lawn alternative, rock garden plant
  • 6-12" H x 6-12" W 
Substitution Suggestions​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

elata 'Bowles Golden' (aka 'Aurea')
  • Shade tolerant, thrives in full sun with adequate moisture
  • Tolerates drier conditions in shade
  • Lime green in shade, yellow in sun
  • Use in small groups for visual impact
  • Great for containers and along water's edge
  • 24" H x 18" W
Substitution Suggestions​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

​flacca 'Blue Zinger'
  • Drought and shade tolerant
  • Use in sweeps as clumping groundcover or as border planting
  • Striking accent with its blue-green foliage
  • 8-10" H x 18" W
Substitution Suggestions​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

​morrowii 'Ice Dance'
  • Use in rain gardens
  • Woodland gardens
  • Lighten up moist shady areas
  • 12" H x 24" W
Substitution Suggestions​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

muskingumensis
North American native grass
Great tall groundcover habit in shadier, moister areas​
Will grow in sun if soil moist enough; shade tolerant
Use in rain gardens and bioswales, near ponds and streams and in low-lying areas​ that are well-drained
24" H x 24" W
Substitution Suggestions​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

pensylvanica
Lawn alternative for shady areas
Groundcover for woodland and naturalistic settings
Semi-evergreen and drought tolerant
Pollinator friend for butterfly larvae
6-12" H x 12" W
Substitution Suggestions​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​