SafePlants

Spreading Sedge (Carex laxiculmis)

Spreading sedge, scientifically known as Carex laxiculmis, is a versatile plant admired for its attractive foliage and adaptability to various garden settings. It is also known as Glaucous Woodland Sedge, Hobb Sedge, and Rush. The cultivar 'Bunny Blue' is particularly popular for its silvery-blue leaves.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant has grass-like texture, and may be appealing to some pets.

Considerations for Children

• Some varieties have sharp teeth.
• Some varieties spread via seed which could be dispersed.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Carex laxiculmis Schwein.
• Common Names: Spreading sedge
• Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge family)
• Genus: Carex
• Subspecies:
  • Carex laxiculmis var. copulata
  • Carex laxiculmis var. laxiculmis
• Synonyms: Carex laxiculmis copulata

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the United States, particularly New England.
• Typically found in moist, deciduous forests, especially in wet soil near seeps and streams.
• Well-suited for half-shady, moist garden borders.

Morphology and Growth Habits

• Reaches a mature height of approximately 12 inches.
• Slowly spreads to form tidy clumps, making it suitable as a ground cover.
• Some varieties spread by rhizomes.
• 'Bunny Blue' features silvery blue foliage forming low-growing mounds.
• 'Ice Dance' is a dense, spreading sedge primarily grown for its foliage, which remains attractive even in winter.
• Flowers are yellow or white and bloom in the spring, though they are generally considered insignificant.

Ecological Role

• Native to moist deciduous forests, contributing to the biodiversity of these ecosystems.
• Some sedges can spread aggressively.

Quirky Facts

• One source mentions that in French, despite the name "Spreading Sedge", the Carex 'Hobb' variety does not spread via rhizomes and remains in a compact clump.

Growing Conditions

• Prefers average soil that is consistently moist.
• Tolerates part-sun if the soil remains moist, especially during hot summer months.
• Can tolerate full sun under moist conditions.
• Hardiness range: 6A to 9B.

Cultivars

• 'Bunny Blue': Silvery blue evergreen sedge ideal for ground cover.
• 'Ice Dance': Grown for its foliage, which remains attractive even in winter.
• 'Hobb': A widely available cultivar with wide, blue leaves.

Related Sedges

• Carex albula (Frosty Curls Hair Sedge): Evergreen grass-like plant.
• Carex pansa: A durable spreading sedge used as a lawn substitute.
• Carex normalis (Spreading Oval Sedge): Found in mesic and wet mesic woods.
• Carex lessoniana (Spreading Swamp Sedge, Rautahi, Cutty Grass): A robust wetland sedge from New Zealand.

Further Resources

• Emerald Coast Growers: Supplier of wholesale liners for Carex laxiculmis 'Bunny Blue'.
• Discover Life: Provides information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Carex laxiculmis.
• USDA Agricultural Research Service: Source of images and information, such as those by Charles T. Bryson.