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Carex retroflexa

This plant is not currently for sale.  This is an archive page preserved for informational use.

Old Field Sedge, or Reflexed Sedge, is a clump-forming, evergreen, grasslike plant usually found in dry, deciduous forests throughout Eastern North America. In NC it occurs in some of the piedmont counties, including our own Chatham County. It grows best in bright shade or partial sun environments and can thrive in both moist and dry conditions. Over a broad area, the clumping is not so evident and the effect is delicate and lawn-like. It does produces seed heads which add visual interest to the otherwise smoothe surface. Eight to ten inches in height, and tolerant of light foot traffic, this sedge lends itself well to the low-maintenance “No-mow” alternative lawn movement. It spreads and thickens by seed, not by rhizomes. Old Field Sedge has proven itself to be a useful textural element and ground cover under broad-leaved shrubs and trees.

Key Info

Scientific Name: Carex retroflexa Muhl. ex Willd.
Common Names: Old Field Sedge, Rosy Sedge, Curly Wood Sedge, Reflexed Sedge
Moisture Requirement: , ,
Leaf Retention:
Bloom Times:
Flower Color: Inconspicuous

Additional Info

Habit: Small sedge with grass-like leaves protruding from a central clump.
Height: 1'-2'
Spread: 1'-2'
Soil Conditions: average to dry, well drained, slightly acid, loamy, clay
Leaves: fine textured, grass-like leaves
Flowers (or reproductive structures: Spikes of green flowers (no sepals or petals) maturing to brown.
Fruit: Clusters of small seeds on the ends of fruiting stalks.
Natural Distribution: Bottomlands, upland deciduous forests, steam banks
USDA Hardiness Zone: 7 to 9
USDA Wetland Indicator Status in NC: FACU
Pollination: Bees, butterflies, other insects
Wildlife Connections: Seeds provide food and foliage provides cover for small mammals and birds.
Propagation: By division or by seed.