* Sand Dune Sedge – Carex pansa (CARE (CAR)-ex PAN-zuh )

Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge Family)

Native to: Northern & Central CA coast to WA & N. Channel Islands; coastal strand (dunes) and coastal

sage scrub.

Growth characteristics: perennial sedge mature height: to 1 ft. mature width: 2+ ft. Spreading sedge which can be used as a lawn substitute or an unmowed meadow. Spreads by rhizomes

to form dense colonies of curling dark green foliage. Evergreen in our mild climate with some summer water. Leaves are fine-textured, dark green colored. Attractive.

Blooms/fruits: Blooms in early spring. Flowers & seed heads not particularly showy.

Uses in the garden: Usually used as a lawn substitute. It is relatively flat, takes very occasional (several

times per year) mowing. Moderately tolerant of foot traffic. Particularly good for sandy soils, dunes.

Nice for lining a path, growing between rocks or pavers. Would work well on slopes or in swales/water gardens or other situations requiring a low ground cover. Closely related Carex praegracilis (Cluster field

sedge) is sometimes mislabeled as this species.

Sensible substitute for: Non-native lawn grasses, sedges.

Attracts: Excellent bird habitat: provides nesting material and seeds for water birds & song birds.

Requirements:

Element Requirement

Sun Part-shade (many gardens) to full sun. Thrives in dappled sunlight.

Soil Sandy soils are best; needs well-drained soil. Any local pH except very alkali (> 8.5)

Water Regular summer water to keep it green; Zone 2-3 to 3. Tolerates seasonal flooding.

Fertilizer Not needed

Other

Management: Little required. Establishes quickly from plugs. Can be mowed to 4 inches several times

a year. Remove dead leaves by gently raking in winter. Quite pest-free.

Propagation: from seed: slow to germinate; warm temperatures by divisions: easy

Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 3, 4, 8, 11, 13, 14, 20 1/21/15 * Native to CA but not to Western L.A. Co. © Project SOUND

Carex pansa – Dune sedge