SafePlants

No images found for this plant ID: 8373.

Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "8373" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.

Safe for Children?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Dogs?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Cats?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Reptiles?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Pennsylvania sedge

Scientific Name: Carex pensylvanica

Family: Cyperaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Graminoid

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Carex pensylvanica: Pennsylvania Sedge

Discover the subtle beauty and ecological benefits of Carex pensylvanica, commonly known as Pennsylvania sedge. This native plant offers a low-maintenance ground cover solution, especially in shady and dry areas.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant is grass-like, with a cluster of brown seed capsules.

Common Names and Taxonomy

  • Scientific Name: Carex pensylvanica
  • Common Names: Pennsylvania sedge, Penn sedge, Yellow sedge, Early sedge, Common Oak Sedge, Oak Sedge
  • Carex pensylvanica is a species of flowering plant in the sedge family (Carex).
  • Synonyms listed on Amazon.com: C. marginata, C. stolonifera

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to Eastern and Central U.S.
  • One form, C. pensylvanica var. pacificum, reaches the western part of North America.
  • Found in thickets and dry woodland areas.
  • Grows well in dry locations in part shade and sandy soils.
  • Associated with red oak - ironwood woodlands in some regions.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • A low, clumped, grass-like perennial, typically 6-12 inches high, sometimes reaching 15 inches.
  • Fine-textured.
  • Reproduces by rhizomes, spreading slowly underground to form a dense mat.
  • Forms short clusters of leafy culms, with both fertile and sterile shoots.
  • Foliage is pale-green, turning sandy tan in the autumn.
  • Seedhead is often described as inconspicuous.
  • Cool season.
  • Semi-evergreen leaves.

Ecological Role

  • Can form dense mats in the understory of northern hardwood forests.
  • Provides excellent seasonal cover for foraging animals.
  • Does not regenerate well following fires.

Quirky Facts

  • Pennsylvania sedge is one of the earliest-blooming sedges in the spring.

Use and Cultivation

  • Suitable for use as a drought-tolerant lawn in shady areas.
  • Effective when planted in masses as a groundcover.
  • A key component of many oak woodland restorations.
  • Tolerates deer.

Further Information

  • USDA, NRCS. 2012. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov)
  • Encyclopedia of Life: Contains photos and articles about Carex pensylvanica.
  • Dave's Garden: A community sharing tips and ideas for gardens.