SafePlants

Carex laxiculmis: Spreading Sedge

Carex laxiculmis, commonly known as spreading sedge, is a versatile plant appreciated for its ornamental foliage and adaptability to various garden settings.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant may be found in gardens and occasionally as a ground cover, potentially making it accessible to pets.
• Some sedges have sharp edges.

Considerations for Children

• This plant may be found in gardens and occasionally as a ground cover, potentially making it accessible to children.
• Some sedges have sharp edges.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Carex laxiculmis Schwein.
• Common Names: Spreading sedge, Glaucous Woodland Sedge, Hobb Sedge, Rush
• Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge family)
• Genus: Carex
• Subordinate Taxa:
  • Carex laxiculmis var. copulata
  • Carex laxiculmis var. laxiculmis
• Synonyms: The text mentions exploring names for this taxon, suggesting the potential existence of synonyms, though none are explicitly listed.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the United States.
• Spreading sedge is commonly found in moist, deciduous forests.
• It is characteristic of evergreen and mixed deciduous forests in New England.
• It thrives in wet soil of seeps or next to streams.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• It forms low-growing mounds with silvery blue foliage, creating a grass-like texture.
• Reaches a mature height of approximately 12 inches.
• Spreads slowly to form tidy clumps.
• Flowers are yellow or white and bloom in the spring, though they are described as "insignificant."
• Some varieties spread via rhizomes.

Quirky Facts

• The cultivar 'Bunny Blue' is known for its silvery-blue evergreen foliage.
• Despite the common name "Spreading Sedge," some cultivars, like 'Hobb,' do not spread extensively via rhizomes.

Ecological Role

• This sedge is excellent for prairie restorations and is found in mesic and wet mesic woods.

Cultivation

• Grows best in average soil that is evenly moist.
• Tolerates part-sun if the soil is kept consistently moist. Can even take full sun.
• Hardiness range: 6A - 9B.
• Growth rate: Average.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The text mentions golden rod and weeping sedge in the context of spreading, implying an interaction or comparison of their spreading mechanisms.

Resources and Further Information

• Emerald Coast Growers: A supplier of wholesale liners of Carex laxiculmis 'Bunny Blue'.
• Discover Life: Provides information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Carex laxiculmis.
• USDA Agricultural Research Service: Source of image 1117169 of Carex laxiculmis var. copulata.
• Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MD DNR): Lists Carex laxiculmis var. laxiculmis.